Now that the planting season is upon us, it is time once again for the National Corn Growers Association Corn Yield Contest (CYC).

The CYC gives Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) members the chance to showcase their production skills while competing with growers from across the country to see who can produce the highest yielding corn.

Winners at the state and national levels will be recognized at the 2007 Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla. and in publications such as the CYC “Corn Yield Guide,” as well as at the 2007 MCGA Annual Meeting on February 6, 2007 at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing. Growers will also have the chance to win various prizes, including an all expenses paid trip to the 2007 Commodity Classic. For more information on the prizes offered, growers should contact their local seed, chemical or fertilizer companies.

“This CYC is a great way for Michigan corn growers to demonstrate their production methods for the opportunity to win national and state recognition,” said Pat Feldpausch, MCGA president and a corn grower from Fowler. “It also allows them to see how they measure up against their neighbors in Michigan and their fellow growers from other states.”

“The chance to enter the CYC is just one of the benefits of being a member of MCGA,” said Brian Kreps, MCGA chairman and a corn grower from Temperance. “In addition to having the opportunity to make their voices heard on important legislative issues and policies at the state and federal level, members also are entitled to free admission to the MCGA Annual Meeting, free admission to Ethanol Night at the Races, reduced entry fees for golf outings in the summer, and drastically lower registration costs for Commodity Classic – the combined annual meeting of the NCGA and the American Soybean Association,” added Kreps, an annual CYC participant. “All of these opportunities give growers a return above and beyond the actual cost of membership.”

Membership in the MCGA is $60 for a one-year membership, $155 for a three-year membership, or $500 for a lifetime membership. Students in an accredited agricultural program are eligible for a one-year membership in the MCGA for $20 a year.

Growers who are members must have their CYC entry forms postmarked by July 1 and pay just $75 to participate in the contest. Entries postmarked between July 1 and the final deadline of August 1 will be charged a $105 registration fee. In some cases, entrants can participate with little or no cost to themselves. Various seed, chemical, and crop protection companies are roviding the funds necessary for entry fees and/or MCGA membership dues to participants. Entrants should check with their local seed, chemical, and crop protection companies to determine if they are providing these funds. Entrants can also contact the National Corn Growers Association at (636) 733-9004 for a list of participating companies.

For more information on becoming a MCGA member, the CYC contest or to obtain an entry form, contact the Michigan Corn office at 1-888-323-6601.

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