All soybean farmers in Kansas are encouraged to enter their competitive soybean crop into the Kansas Soybean Yield Contest. The statewide Kansas Soybean Value Contest, which analyzes protein, oil, and other soybean qualities, is also open for entries. Strong participation across the state provides a snapshot of growing conditions in each region and allows friendly competition among peers.
The Kansas Soybean Association has implemented important date changes for the 2024 contests, including an expedited postmark-by date of November 15 and revisions to the announcement timeline. Results are expected to be released mid-December, followed by official winner recognition at the inaugural Kansas Soybean Celebration on January 31 in Salina.
Yield contest districts are determined by region, tillage method, and irrigation status, with 18 districts in consideration. No-till on the Plains supplies additional awards in the no-till categories. Farmers may enter multiple categories but only one entry per field.
Eligible fields must consist of at least five contiguous acres as verified by the Farm Service Agency, GPS printout, or manual measurement. A non-relative witness, either Kansas State Research and Extension personnel or a specified designee, must be present at harvest and should ensure that the combine grain hopper is empty prior to harvest. Official elevator-scale tickets with moisture percentage and foreign matter included must accompany entries to be considered.
The Kansas Soybean Commission sponsors a monetary prize for the top three finishers in each district, as well as an additional $1,000 for the overall dryland and irrigated winners and any who top the 114.3 bushel-per-acre record. The amounts per district are that the first place receives $300, the second receives $200, and the third receives $100.
Individuals looking to submit a value contest entry should send a 20-ounce sample, which Ag Processing, Inc. evaluates to determine its value. Monetary awards are also given to the three highest-value entries.
Farmers may enter both the yield and value contests and must do so to be eligible to win a trip to Commodity Classic in Denver. The top yield entry, top value entry, and one randomly drawn entry earn a trip to the 2025 Classic March 2-4. All participants receive a T-shirt.?
A full guide of contest rules and regulations and the digital entry form are available at kansassoybeans.org/contests. Questions may be directed to the Kansas Soybean office by phone at 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923) or local KSRE offices.