52 / SEEDWORLD.COM JUNE 2019 GENETICS IS SELDOM a limiting factor when it comes to corn yield. Every year, in every field, something limits yield. It could be weather, pests, soil characteristics, agronomic practices or management decisions. Contests such as the annual National Corn Yield Contest sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) demonstrate that corn has the genetic potential to produce at least 542 bushels per acre, the verified yield produced by a Virginia farmer in 2017. Bragging rights aside, contests provide a glimpse of what might be commonplace in the next 50 years. For the corn sector, yield contests challenge conventional wisdom and serve as a proving ground for new products and production practices. "NCGA’s national yield contests provide farmers with more than just an opportunity for friendly competition,” says Roger Zylstra, NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team chair. “It generates data that impacts future production practices. The techniques first developed by contest winners grow into far-reaching advances, helping farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations. “Our contests demonstrate a hybrid’s genetic potential on the contestant’s farm and emphasize innovation both from growers and technology pro- viders, enabling us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.” In 1966, when the average corn yield was 73.1 bushels per acre, to think of 200 bushels was a futuristic dream for most. Not for the Funk Bros. Seed Co. The company’s sales literature included a photo of a Michigan field with 25,000 plants per acre that yielded 205 bushels per acre, nearly three times the average yield. The ad encouraged grow- ers to reach yield goals by planting the single, spe- cial and four-way cross hybrids that were already hitting yields of more than 200 bushels per acre. These grower-led competitions are a proving ground for new products and production practices. Joe Funk jfunk@issuesink.com YIELD CONTESTS In 1966, the average corn yield was 73.1 bushels per acre, but Funk Bros. Seed Co. realized yields of 205 bushes per acre.