By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Think you have what it takes to produce the best soybean in Ohio? If so, the Ohio Soybean Assoc. (OSA) wants to be that judge, with its first-ever Soybean Yield and Quality Contest for the 2010 growing season.

“This contest is open to all growers in Ohio,” said Amy Butts, executive director of the OSA. “They just need to be an active farmer in the state and growing at least 10 acres of soybeans.”
The rules are simple. Contestants must be current members of the OSA and raise at least 10 acres of soybeans in Ohio. Those who are not members may join when entering the contest. The entry fee is $25 for members and $100 for non-members (with $75 going toward a one-year membership).

“The purpose of our contest is to identify premium growing methods across the state,” Butts said. “We’ll be testing these beans for oil and protein, raising the awareness of composition.”
The quality contest is optional to enter; however, a farmer must enter the soybean yield contest in order to enter the quality contest. This contest is based on the overall highest percentage of oil and protein content in the state.

The yield contest includes six categories, including conventional tillage, no-till, low-linolenic soybeans conventional tillage, low-linolenic soybeans no-till, non-GMO (genetically modified) soybeans conventional tillage and non-GMO no-till.

Entrants will be eligible for several prize packages. An overall state yield winner will be awarded, along with category prizes for the top-placing entrants. Awards will also be given to the top-placing entrants in the quality contest based on the percentage of oil and protein. All prizes will be announced in the summer of 2011.

All entry forms and fees for contest must be received by Aug. 31. The harvest judging reports form and all harvest information must be submitted no later than Nov. 15. The deadline to submit a two-pound sample of soybeans for the quality contest is also Nov. 15.
The following companies will pay the entry fee for contestants that enter their varieties: Asgrow, LG Seeds, Seed Consultants and all Vistive varieties are covered by Monsanto.

According to Butts, a similar contest for corn growers is held in many states across the country and has proven successful. This, she adds, is a first for soybean growers in Ohio.

“It’s too early to determine the number of participants we’ll have,” Butts said, “but we expect to have between 50 and 100 entries.”
There are 26,000 soybean growers in Ohio. Darke County in west-central Ohio has the most soybeans, with 144,200 acres. Ohio ranks sixth nationally in soybean production with a value set at $1.9 billion.

For more information about the contest and the rules contact the OSA at 614-476-3100 or 888-SOYOHIO (769-6446).