Missouri farmers set soybean-yield records with annual contest

Missouri soybean farmers have once again achieved record-breaking yields, as highlighted in the Missouri Soybean Association Yield Contest.  

The competition celebrates the state’s soybean producers and their remarkable accomplishments, with entries regularly boasting triple-digit yields. 

The contest, which includes participants from grower districts across the state, emphasizes the impressive versatility and strength of the soybean crop, along with the innovation of Missouri’s farmers. 

Nate and Katie Bloss of 7B Farms in Fulton, Missouri, earned top honors in the nonirrigated, conventional tillage category.  

Their crop yielded 137.51 bushels per acre using the Alliance A391E3 variety, surpassing last year’s state-winning entry of 119.28 bushels per acre. 

In the irrigated category, Jerry Cox of Delta, Missouri, took first place with a yield of 108.12 bushels per acre using the Pioneer 45Z75E variety. 

Missouri’s overall soybean harvest averaged 48 bushels per acre in 2023, according to USDA.  

Across the state, 5.6 million acres of soybeans were planted, and 5.52 million acres were harvested, producing nearly 265 million bushels. 

“The annual yield contest is an incredible opportunity to highlight the hard work and dedication of Missouri’s soybean farmers,” said MSA President Renee Fordyce. “We deeply value their commitment to innovation and sustainability as they implement new strategies and practices to achieve exceptional yields.” 

District winners will be recognized at the winter soybean meetings, which will take place through February.  

Statewide winners will be honored during the MSA annual meeting in Jefferson City Jan. 28. 

The MSA Yield Contest is supported by contributions from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Asgrow, Baker Implement, Bayer, Beck’s Hybrids, Braundgardt Ag, CFM Insurance, MFA Inc., Nutrien, Pioneer Seeds, and Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners. 

Additional details about the 2024 MSA Yield Contest will be available online and featured in the February issue of Missouri Soybean Farmer.