FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CORDOVA, Md. — The Maryland Soybean Board is inviting growers across the state to compete for top honors in the second annual Maryland Soybean Yield Contest.
The contest recognizes Maryland farmers who achieve outstanding soybean yields while gathering valuable information about the production practices contributing to their success. A statewide winner will be named in both the irrigated and dryland categories, with each receiving a $1,000 prize.
“The first year of the contest demonstrated the impressive yields Maryland soybean growers are capable of achieving,” said Eddie Boyle, Chair of the Maryland Soybean Board. “We look forward to building on that momentum, recognizing more of our state’s outstanding producers and learning from the practices helping them succeed.”
Any grower with a contest field located entirely within Maryland is eligible to participate. Entrants may use any production method, including conventional or conservation tillage, and full-season or double-crop production. Each farmer may submit only one entry in each category.
Contest entries must be harvested from a continuous two-acre block and verified by an approved supervising agent. Eligible supervising agents include Maryland Soybean Board Directors, University of Maryland Extension agents, USDA and Soil Conservation District employees, and individuals certified by the National Corn Growers Association. The supervising agent must be present to measure the contest area, oversee harvest and verify the official weight and moisture content.
Entries producing more than 100 bushels per acre require a Maryland Soybean Board Director to be present during the initial harvest check. They must also be rechecked using an adjacent two-acre area, with the recheck serving as the official contest entry.
The entry fee is $30 per submission, and all yield checks must be completed by December 15, 2026. Winners will be recognized at the Maryland Commodity Classic in July 2027.
In addition to celebrating high-yielding growers, the contest helps identify the varieties, inputs and management strategies performing well under Maryland growing conditions. Participants agree to share production information that may be published by the Maryland Soybean Board.
For complete contest rules, entry materials and online credit card payment, visit www.mdsoy.com/maryland-soybean-yield-contest/.
About the Maryland Soybean Board
The Maryland Soybean Board administers the soybean checkoff program within the state and invests grower contributions in research, education, promotion and market development initiatives designed to increase the profitability of Maryland soybean farmers.
Maryland farmers grow nearly 500,000 acres of soybeans each year, producing more than 20 million bushels annually. Valued at nearly $200 million to the state’s economy, soybeans rank among Maryland’s top agricultural commodities and play a vital role in supporting livestock, poultry, renewable fuels, and other key sectors.
For more information, visit www.mdsoy.com.
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Contact:
Danielle Bauer, Executive Director
Maryland Soybean Board
443-812-4526 | danielle@mdsoy.com
www.mdsoy.com