By Scout Nelson
Kansas Corn has joined the National Corn Growers Association to launch the 62nd annual National Corn Yield Contest for the 2026 growing season. Early registration officially opened on May 1, giving Kansas corn growers the opportunity to compete for state and national recognition, prizes, and awards.
The Kansas Corn Yield Contest works alongside the national competition, allowing Kansas growers to complete a single registration and harvest form for both contests. Organizers say the partnership simplifies the process while increasing opportunities for participants to earn awards.
“The Kansas Corn Yield Contest is linked to the national contest, allowing growers to submit one registration and one harvest form for both the national and state contests. This gives our growers double the chance to compete and win prizes and well-deserved recognition for their efforts,” said Kylie Massengale, Kansas Corn Programs Manager, Eastern Kansas Grower Services. “This year we’ve added a new short season corn pilot class to recognize Kansans entering NCYC’s new class as well as awards for the outstanding seed dealers who support our contests.”
One of the major additions to the 2026 contest is the new short-season corn pilot class. The class is designed for farmers growing lower-maturity hybrids in areas with shorter growing seasons. Kansas Corn will recognize the top three Kansas participants in this category during the Kansas Corn Symposium in January 2027..
Another new feature this year is recognition for seed sales representatives. Kansas Corn plans to award the top three seed representatives based on the number of growers they register by the August 12 deadline. These representatives will receive cash prizes and recognition during the annual symposium.
Registration for the contest remains open through August 12, 2026, at ncga.com. Farmers who register before June 30 can receive a discounted early entry rate of $90. After June 30, the entry fee will increase to $125 through the final deadline. Harvest forms must be submitted by November 30. Many seed companies also help growers cover registration and membership costs through the NCYC voucher program.
Kansas growers will compete for irrigated and non-irrigated yield awards across ten districts, including special Nitrogen Management awards. National winners will receive recognition during the 2027 Commodity Classic in New Orleans. For contest details and registration link visit here.
Photo Credit: kansas-corn
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Corn