Yield contests are conducted in most U.S. states.  While yields represented in these contests are atypical, they provide evidence of yield potential under different environments and also an overview of the management practices of top producers.  A few states conduct “maximum efficiency contests”, where production costs are integrated.  Also, certain commodities might use entire farm production, not just a few acres.  Advantages and disadvantages of the contests could be discussed, as might examples of information that was gleaned from the unique data sets that such contests generate.

Approved for 3.0 CM CEUs.