VIRGINIA SOYBEAN YIELD CONTEST

Click here to download a printable version of the Virginia Soybean Yield Contest - PDF format
Documents in PDF format require the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open. If you do not already have the Reader installed on your computer, you can download a free copy from Adobe.

INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of the Soybean Yield Contest is to emphasize and demonstrate the practices necessary to produce maximum economic yields, and to encourage the production of high-quality soybeans. The Virginia Soybean Association in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension sponsors this program.

ELIGIBILITY:
Any bona fide farmer who farms in Virginia and who produces 10 acres or more of soybeans within Virginia's boundaries is eligible.

PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS:
There will be two Soybean Yield Contest categories: 1) Full-Season; and 2) Double-Crop. Double-crop will be defined as planting soybean after grain harvest of barley or wheat. If soybeans are planted after a cover crop or silage crop of small grain, then the entry will be considered a full-season entry. Participants will be restricted to non-irrigated soybeans only, but will not be restricted as to variety, fertilization, spacing, or other cultural practices.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

  1. Notice of intent to participate must be submitted to your county/city Extension Agent's office 5 days before harvest or in an acceptable time frame for your extension agent.
  2. Three or more acres in one block (ex. 209 ft. x 627 ft. = 3 acres) from a field of at least 10 acres within the physical boundaries of Virginia shall be selected by the grower. For convenience, the test area may be measured after it has been harvested.
  3. The Extension Agent or his designated representative (other than the grower) shall:
    1. Measure the test area.
    2. Be present when test area is harvested.
    3. Supervise weighing on State-inspected scales or an approved weigh wagon.
    4. Sign the report.
  4. Soil test results for the current or previous year must accompany the Application Form.
  5. Only one entry per category (full-season or double-crop) per farm or farmer will be accepted. A farm or farmer may enter both full-season and double-crop contests. A farm or farmer may submit more than one entry in either category, but only one of the entries is eligible for an award.
  6. There will be no charge for participating in the contest.
  7. The Extension Agent shall arrange for official sampling, grading, and moisture determination of the harvested soybeans. If the harvested soybeans are to be placed in farmer-owned storage, the Extension Agent, or his designated representative, shall then obtain an official sample for grading and moisture determination according to federal grading standards (i.e. a local grain buying station).
  8. Moisture content shall be obtained on a state approved moisture meter from the sample drawn for this purpose as stated above.
  9. To qualify for an award, the sample may not exceed 3% damaged beans as defined by federal grading standards. This rule will be waived only under extreme weather conditions existing over the entire region or state.
  10. Acre yields will be calculated in the basis of 13% moisture.
  11. All foreign material in excess of 1% will be deducted from the gross weight.
  12. Extension Agents shall send duplicate record sheets and applications of all participants to David L. Holshouser, Soybean Specialist, Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 6321 Holland Rd, Suffolk, VA 23437 by December 21. The State Champion will be announced at the Virginia Grains & Soybean Annual Conference held in February.
  13. Upon receipt of applications by David Holshouser, the grower and agent will be notified in writing that the application has been received. If notification has not been received within 1 week after submission, please contact David.
  14. Awards for Growers:
    1. The grower who is certified in the full-season or the double-crop contest as having produced the greatest yield per acre in accordance with the contest rules will be declared the State Full-Season or Double-Crop Production Champion for that category and year and receive an appropriate trophy.
    2. Second and third place winners in each category will be recognized with appropriate trophies or plaques.
    3. Each contestant who produces in excess of 60, 70, 80, or 90 bushels per acre from a plot officially entered and measured in the contest will receive an engraved plaque giving him membership in the 60-, 70-, or 80-Bushel Club. Only one 60-, 70-, or 80-Bushel Club plaque will be awarded per contestant per lifetime.
    4. Winners will be notified in advance in order to insure recognition at the Virginia Grains & Soybean Annual Conference. Seedsmen will also be contacted in advance so they may also be present.
    5. The Virginia Crop Improvement Association will give $500 to the 1st place winner if the producer purchased and planted Virginia certified seed and has proof of purchase (invoice or seed tag).
    6. Cash awards from several seed companies may be given to top producers.

PUBLICITY:
The production practices used by participants who produce 60 bushels or more per acre will be publicized at the time county and state winners are acclaimed. Results of these demonstrations and contests will provide excellent news material. Participants must complete all required record forms provided with the application, and meet all other requirements as herein stated to become eligible for awards.

Application for Participation in The Virginia Soybean Yield Contest - PDF

Yield Determination - PDF