Nation's Top Growing Corn Farmer
Beats Own Record in 2001

Corn is our nation's number one crop. The amount of corn produced in the United States is more than double that of any other grain crop. And the United States is the top corn producer in the world, raising 40 percent of the annual global production.

Each year, corn growers across the nation compete for bragging rights as the number one U.S. corn grower, based on highest yield per acre. For the fourth consecutive year, Francis Childs of Manchester, Iowa won the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) 2001 National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC). His record-breaking yield of 408.2 bushels per acre bested the previous record of 393.7 bushels per acre – his own record.

More than 3,200 growers from 45 states entered the contest in 2001 – a year marked by the challenges of flood, hail, drought and heat. According to Tim Hume, NCGA president and corn grower from Walsh, Colorado, contest participants have a unique opportunity to compare their own proven corn production capabilities with farmers in their own states and across the country.

"The NCYC's goal is to educate farmers on improving their methods of production to increase profitability while addressing environmental concerns," Hume said.

Winners of this year's NCYC will be recognized at the 2002 Commodity Classic, the annual combined convention of the NCGA and the American Soybean Association, Feb. 21-23 in Nashville, Tenn. Along with national recognition, winners receive prizes from sponsoring seed companies and crop protection companies.

The National Corn Growers Association web site www.ncga.com/education has a program called Corn in the Classroom that answers frequently asked questions, such as, "What does corn have to do with soft drinks?" This web-based curriculum features background for teachers and hands-on lesson plans that are adaptable for all ages.

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