WSA Launches 2025 Soybean Yield Contest for Farmers

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin’s soybean harvest season is quickly approaching, and the Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) is reminding farmers to submit their entries for the 2025 Wisconsin Soybean Yield Contest before the August 31, 2025, deadline.

“You can’t win if you don’t enter,” said WSA Director Shawn Conley, a professor in the agronomy department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “It’s an opportunity to have fun, learn and grow.”

The annual contest, now in its 15th year, is designed to encourage innovation and the adoption of improved management practices. It emphasizes the importance of sound agronomic methods in soybean production across the state and celebrates the commitment of Wisconsin farmers to refining their operations.

The contest is open to all soybean production systems. Two winners will be chosen from each of the state’s four divisions, which are organized by long-term county yield averages.

Alongside the main awards, participants may also compete for special honors, including the Planting Green Award, the New Contestant Award, and membership in the WI 100 Bushel Soybean Club.

To qualify, entry forms must be completed and submitted by August 31, 2025. Winners will be announced and recognized during the 2026 Wisconsin Corn•Soy Expo at the Kalahari Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells.

“Any farmer should enter the contest; there are opportunities for those that have been in it for a long time and have continued tweaking their production practices. We also have a category for someone that’s new to the contest and for farmers that are really focusing on conservation practices,” Conley said. “There’s plenty of room in the tent for everyone to join and participate because it’s great to learn from your fellow farmers and be recognized for what you’re doing on your farm.”

Backed by the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board and checkoff dollars, the contest highlights both stewardship and business acumen among the state’s growers.

“Wisconsin’s soybean growers are diligent stewards of the land and savvy businesspeople,” said WSA Executive Director Adam Kask. “WSA’s 2025 Soybean Yield Contest spotlights how these two attributes come together on farms across the state to produce superior quality soybean crops.”

Farmers can find rules and entry forms at wisoybean.org or download them directly from coolbean.info.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-gilaxia.