In mid-December, David Hula, who’s known for growing big corn yields, tallied his 12th national high-yield victory at 623.8439 bu. per acre. That’s a far cry from the 170-bu.-per-acre average USDA is expecting for 2023.
It’s no surprise those who chase high-yield honors set aside acres for that very purpose. However, there’s something to learn from the management practices that go into growing a record crop. These 5 farmers, some whose names are in record books and others who are motivated to break yield barriers on their own farms, share their secrets to success.
1. Big Corn Yields for Illinois Farmer Rooted to Hybrid and Fungicide
Jack Shissler hit major dryland corn yields in 2022. He attributes his success to three factors. First, getting the ideal stand means paying attention to all the little details right out of the gate. Second, variety makes a real difference, and third, fungicide is key and money well spent.
2. Corn Yield Record Shattered By Farmer’s 459.51 Dryland Bushels
In 2022, Russell Hedrick averaged 268 bu. per acre dryland corn, including 40 acres that averaged 368 bu. per acre and a contest spot that tallied 459.51 bu. “It’s not about nutrient amounts — it’s about placement and balance,” says the North Carolina farmer. “We use half the fertilizer of what many other guys use, but we still push yields without tossing the kitchen sink at the crop.”
3. Young Farmer Breaks Soybean World Record With Stunning 206-Bushel Yield
In 2023, Alex Harrell, a southwest Georgia farmer, harvested 206.7997 bu. per acre — the highest-yielding soybeans in history. “It was surreal sitting in that cab watching the yield monitor,” Harrell explains. “Long story short, this comes down to late-season management.”
4. Low-Input Soybeans Boom For Tennessee Farmer
“I’m a low-input guy on my beans and on all my crops,” says Matt Griggs. “That means a focus on tried-and-true agronomics: planting date, variety, fertility and weed management.” He shoots for consistent averages around 75 bu. or 80 bu. per acre without stacking inputs. “ROI don’t lie,” he adds.
5. Are 100-Bushel Soybean Yield Averages On The Horizon?
Illinois farmer Ryan Myers has increased his 60-bu.-per-acre yield average to 70-plus averages in just three years. How? By focusing on the details from variety selection to in-season management.
Want to read more about growing higher yields?
6 Factors That Influence Soybean Yield
Do Pretty Corn Fields Actually Translate Into Higher Yields?
