NCGA’s Yield Contest opens for 2025 growing season

Here’s every corn grower’s chance to show off their high yields for 2025 — and to share a bit of education with their fellow farmers. The National Corn Growers Association has kicked off the 61st annual Yield Contest today. For six decades, this event has celebrated the ingenuity, resilience, and drive of America’s corn growers — those who continuously push the limits of what’s possible in modern agriculture.

It’s where we’ve seen growers top an astounding 600 bu/A on multiple occasions. 

The 2025 contest is now open for entries through August 13, offering growers across the country a chance to compete, learn, and showcase their success. New this year, Class J: Nitrogen Management is now open to growers in all states, following two successful years as a limited pilot class.

The overarching rules are:

• Entrant must be a producer and member of the National Corn Growers Association and have a current membership paid through December 31 of the current year. The National membership also includes membership in the grower’s State association (if applicable).
• Be at least 14 years of age at the time of entry. Proof of age may be requested.
• Only individuals can enter the Yield Contest. The membership number used to enter the contest must have a corn producer’s name listed as well as the member’s current email address. A member may enter multiple times with multiple hybrids and in multiple categories and the highest ranked hybrid will receive the award.
• Memberships in multiple family names all belonging to the same farming operation must be active participants in the farming operation. Furthermore, each contest plot must be clearly assigned and labeled prior to harvest.

Across 10 categories, winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical, and crop protection companies. This year’s sponsors are BASF, John Deere, and Pioneer.

You see more about the contest at this page.

“What began as a modest competition has evolved into a cornerstone of our industry,” said NCGA President and Illinois corn grower Kenneth Hartman Jr. “Each year we honor not only the achievements of past participants but also the forward-looking spirit that defines today’s growers.”