Heath Cutrell from Chesapeake, Virginia, achieved the overall highest yield of 394 bushels per acre in the National Corn Growers Association 2022 National Corn Yield Contest. He planted DEKALB DKC66-18RIB Brand Blend and entered in the Conventional Non-Irrigated category.
“Heath has done an outstanding job earning the top yield in the contest,” said Jamie Horton, DEKALB Brand Manager. “It’s amazing to see the yields reached in this contest when you have the right recipe of crop management practices, consistent performance from tailored product solutions with exclusive genetics and, of course, help from Mother Nature.”
Cutrell has won his category previously, but this is the first time he’s had the highest overall yield. He follows on the heels of another Virginia farmer, Dave Hula, who was the National Corn Yield Contest’s overall winner in 2021 (Hula has topped 600 bushels per acre on multiple occasions).
For more than half a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers with the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved but the opportunity to learn from their peers.
Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. Winners will be honored during this year’s Commodity Classic.
“This contest offers farmers a chance to come together both for good-natured competition and to help innovate the future of our industry,” a representative of NCGA has said. “These contestants grow to be leaders in many other ways as well. For many, the contest may be their first interaction with NCGA. As they learn more, the true value of the work that we do to build a better tomorrow inspires greater achievement. Whether getting involved in advocacy, leadership or sustainability efforts, the contest breeds champions for corn farmers in many arenas.”
