The Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) is excited to announce the 2024 Wisconsin Soybean Yield Contest. Organized to encourage the development of new and innovative management practices that highlight the importance of using sound cultural practices in Wisconsin soybean production systems, the contest celebrates soybean growers across the state and their dedication to improving their operations. 

“It’s important to recognize farmers who are pushing the yield envelope in an environmentally and socially responsible manner,” said WSA Director Shawn Conley, a professor in the agronomy department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “They’re able to maximize yield and profitability while balancing the pillars of sustainability.” 

Any soybean production system can enter the contest, as long as the contest field is located in Wisconsin and is at least five contiguous acres of one variety, with the actual contest harvested area being at least three acres. Two winners will be selected from each of the four geographical divisions in the state and additional awards include the Planting Green award, New Contestant award and Wisconsin 100 Bushel Soybean Club. 

“On top of being innovative, Wisconsin soybean growers are natural stewards of the land, employing sustainable practices on their operations to ensure that future generations are able to continue their legacy,” said Adam Kask, executive director of the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, which is a sponsor of the contest. “The Wisconsin Soybean Yield Contest is an opportunity for growers to showcase their production practices and for growers to learn what is working on other farms that they may then be able to implement on their own.” 

Like last year, seed dealers who enter their customers in the contest will receive $100 for entering one grower, $200 for entering three growers and $300 for entering five or more growers. To qualify for the incentive, the customer must complete an entry form and harvest form.  

“The seed dealer incentive really helped promote many different companies across Wisconsin,” Conley said. “Last year, we had a wide range of winners across different company platforms, which really helps with boots on the ground efforts. And it encourages communication by getting the farmers asking the seed dealers to provide more input on how to really drive yield.” 

Yield Contest entry forms must be postmarked by Aug. 31, 2024, to be eligible for the contest. No late entries will be accepted. For more information visit https://wisoybean.org/wsa/2024-yield-contest/.  

“I want to encourage growers to enter the contest – you can’t win if you don’t enter,” Conley said. “I think the contest helps farmers push themselves and think about how they can drive their soybean yields up further and try some of the new products on the market.”