Hastings was well-represented in the National Corn Yield Contest, with three of its corn growers placing in the top three for the state of Minnesota in their respective classes.
The award-winning growers and their farms were revealed by the National Corn Growers Association on March 20.
Kevin Bauer placed first in the state in the Conventional Irrigated Class with a yield of 324.1911 bushels per acre. The seed hybrid used in Bauer’s winning field was Pioneer P0953AMTM.
Also in the Conventional Irrigated Class, Paul Beskau’s 283.7664 bushels per acre yield placed second in the state. Beskau utilized the Pioneer P0924QTM hybrid in his winning field.
Competing in the No-Till Irrigated Class, Fred Bauer placed second in the state with a yield of 285.2798 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in his field was Pioneer P1185Q.
The three Hastings farmers are a part of 538 state winners nationwide. The 2022 contest participation included 6,337 entries from 46 states. Of the state winners, 27 growers – three from each of nine classes – were named national winners, representing 12 states.
The average yield among national winners was more than 340.7245 bushels per acre – more than double the projected 2022 U.S. average of 172 bushels per acre. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers’ overall production categories topped 262.7586 bushels per acre.
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) tipped their hats to farmers from across the country for their efforts and exceptional results in the National Corn Yield Contest. Through their efforts, NCGA members contributed valuable data that will help all growers overcome incredible obstacles as they continue to drive efficient and sustainable agricultural production.
“Year after year, farmer participants contribute to building a better crop for tomorrow. By exploring adaptation, innovation, and the tools new technologies offer, farmers sharpen their game and set new standards for the industry”, said Tom Hagg, a Minnesota Farmer and current President of the National Corn Growers Association.
Agronomic data gleaned from the contest revealed the following:
• Average harvest population for the national winners was 37,164 seeds per acre, compared to 34,386 for all entrants.
• National winners applied an average of 203 pounds of nitrogen, 50 pounds of phosphorus and 50 pounds of potassium per acre.
• Average commercial nitrogen use per bushel of yield was 0.85 pounds for the national winners and 0.82 pounds for all entrants.
• 44 percent of the national winners applied trace minerals, compared to 49 percent of all entrants.
• 22 percent of national winners applied manure, compared to 24 percent of all entrants.
Source: hastingsstargazette.com
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Harvesting