The 2007 National Corn Growers Association’s National Corn Yield Contest is under way, with the initial deadline for entries set for July 2.

Winners of this year’s contest will be honored at the 2008 Commodity Classic, the combined convention and trade show of NCGA, the American Soybean Association and the National Association of Wheat Growers, Feb. 28 -March 1, in Nashville, Tenn.

Along with national recognition, winners receive prizes from participating seed and crop protection companies.

“The real lesson of NCYC is one of efficiency,” said Ken McCauley, NCGA president. “Over the years, contestants have shown how to increase yields through better planting techniques, more precise fertilizer application and improved seed selection. Our success in developing new uses and markets for corn make improved yields and efficiency more important than ever, with demand for corn and projected plantings both at extremely high levels.”

In 2006 the contest fielded 3,154 entries from 46 states. The average yield from all entrants was 216.67 bushels per acre, and 287.09 bushels per acre from the farmers who placed first, second and third nationally in the respective categories.

The entry fee for the July 2 preregistration deadline is $75 per hybrid. The registration fee is $105 per hybrid with a deadline of Aug. 1. Entry forms are posted on the NCGA Web site. For more information on this year’s NCYC, contact Judy Hall or Max Starbuck at (636) 733-9004 or e-mail hall@ncga.com.