Missouri Soybean Association tests farmers’ skills

It is time again for Missouri producers to put their skills to the test. The Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) plans to find out who has the state’s highest yielding and highest quality soybeans in its sixth annual Yield and Quality Contest.

“This contest serves not only as a friendly competition among producers, but also as a way to explore innovative and efficient production techniques,” explains Dale R. Ludwig, MSA executive director/CEO.

The contest is divided into three divisions: conventional tillage, no-till and irrigated. The top three entries in each division will receive cash and prizes. Seed and chemical companies have sponsored awards for the farmer with the highest yields.

All MSA members can participate in this event. Eligibility rules state that a producer must set aside at least a five-acre block within a minimum ten-acre field to compete. A minimum of two acres must be harvested in a continuous block. These entries will be judged on bushels of soybeans harvested per acre. Following harvest, contestants must submit a four-ounce sample of soybeans from the same field. This sample will be used in the quality contest to assess protein and oil content. A contestant official must be present to supervise the measurement, harvest and weighing process.

Entry fee for the contest is $10. The fee is nonrefundable and must accompany the entry form, which is available by calling the MSA office at (573) 635-3819. Entries must be received by August 28. Interested producers who are not members of the MSA are encouraged to join for a membership fee of $45.

The MSA is a membership organization made up of nearly 2,000 soybean farmers from across the state. The purpose of the MSA is to communicate issues facing soybean farmers and rural America to legislators at the state and national levels. The MSA is directed by 16 volunteer farmer leaders.