Every year for traditional grain producing crops, such as, corn, soybeans, and wheat, there are associated yield contests that farmers are encouraged to participate in here in North Carolina. The purpose of these crop yield contests is to ultimately recognize farmers who are pushing themselves to strive for higher yields, but to also collect production information that helps crop researchers stay cutting-edge by using those production factors into current research trials.

The North Carolina Corn Yield Contest is sponsored by the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina, and is administered through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Anyone who grows an acre of corn, or even more, in North Carolina may enter the contest. However, the harvested area of the contest entry must be at least one acre in measured size from within a single field. Applications into the North Carolina Corn Yield Contest must be submitted no later than November 27 of 2026.

The North Carolina Soybean Yield Contest is sponsored by the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association, and is also administered through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Anyone who grows at least three acres of soybeans here in North Carolina may enter the contest. However, the field, or portion of a field entered into the contest must be one contiguous area with at least three acres in measured size. The field, or portion of a field entered into the contest must also be composed of at least three to four measured sides. Applications into the North Carolina Soybean Yield Contest must be submitted no later than December 4 of 2026.