Browns Summit corn grower a state winner in contest

Roberts was one of 552 state winners nationwide. The 2023 contest had 6,882 entries from 46 states. Of the state winners, 27 growers — three from each of nine classes — were named national winners, representing 15 states, according to the National Corn Growers Association, which held the contest.

The overall average yield among national winners was more than 374.2246 bushels per acre — more than double the projected 2023 U.S. average of 181 bushels per acre. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first-, second- and third-place farmers’ overall production categories topped 287.7164 bushels per acre.

Agronomic data gleaned from the contest revealed the following:

• Average harvest population for the national winners was 39,181 seeds per acre, compared to 34,531 for all entrants.
• State winners applied an average of 214 pounds of nitrogen, 57 pounds of phosphorus and 93 pounds of potassium per acre.
• Average commercial nitrogen use per bushel of yield was 0.85 pounds for the state winners and 0.82 pounds for all entrants.
• 37% of the national winners reported applying trace minerals, compared to 42% of all entrants.
• 25% of national winners reported applying manure, as did 25% of all state winners.

All 2023 contest winners were invited to attend the 2024 Commodity Classic held Feb. 28-March 1 in Houston, Texas. For a complete list of winners and more information about the contest, visit www.ncga.com.