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Pioneer Hi-Bred launches 2012 “Ontario Corn Yield Challenge”

June 5, 2012, Chatham, ON – Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is calling on Ontario corn growers to compete in its third-annual ‘Ontario Corn Yield Challenge’ (OCYC).

The ‘Ontario Corn Yield Challenge’ tests corn growers’ abilities to produce the highest yields across the province. The contest recognizes top grower achievements and helps identify innovative crop management practices used to produce high yields. Growers can demonstrate their corn growing skills in the 2012 OCYC by planting a minimum of 20 bags of Pioneer® brand corn seed. Entry deadline is July 1, 2012. This year’s challenge includes four corn maturity categories: 2699 CHU and below; 2700 to 2849 CHU; 2850 to 2999 CHU; and, 3000 CHU and up.

Grower participation in the OCYC contest almost doubled year-over-year from 180 entrants in 2010 to 338 in 2011. The highest yield reached to date for the annual contest was a tremendous 313 bushels/acre.

“Pioneer’s OCYC provides a great forum to showcase growers’ competitive spirits. They push the limits, try new agronomic management practices to increase yields and maximize the genetic potential of their crops,” says Bryce Eger, business director, Eastern Canada Commercial Unit, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited.

Pioneer Hi-Bred continues to invest heavily in corn research and the OCYC is a great way to work in conjunction with growers to glean further knowledge of agronomic practices that increase corn yield. The data collected will be used by Pioneer agronomists and sales reps to help improve the yield per acre in growers’ fields. Winners of the 2012 Ontario Corn Yield Challenge receive a trip for two to the Commodity Classic in Kissimmee, Fla., February 25 to March 2, 2013.

To enter this year’s ‘Ontario Corn Yield Challenge,’ and to get a full set of the OCYC rules, a grower can contact his/her local Pioneer sales representative.

June 5, 2012  By Pioneer Hi-Bred