Two remarkable farmers, David Hula from Virginia and Alex Harrell from Georgia, recently graced the Successful Farming stage at Commodity Classic. They discussed their unprecedented achievements in the 2024 National Corn Growers Association yield contest and the challenges they faced. Hula secured his 13th victory with a corn yield of 490.6276 bushels per acre, while Harrell shattered the soybean world record with an average of 218.29 bushels per acre. Both farmers highlighted the unpredictable weather conditions that significantly impacted their farming practices and yields. Despite these challenges, they remain optimistic about innovations for the upcoming season.
Hula, a third-generation farmer from Charles City, Virginia, recounted how the growing season started promisingly but was soon marred by erratic weather patterns. Initially, the crops flourished, leading to high expectations. However, a prolonged dry spell followed by intense heat waves forced him to rely heavily on irrigation systems. The water sourced from the James River occasionally brought saltwater intrusion during dry periods, posing additional challenges. To mitigate this issue, Hula uses a salinity meter and relies on traditional methods like monitoring crab catches near his inlet as indicators of potential issues.
In Lee and Sumpter counties, Georgia, Harrell also battled adverse weather conditions. His corn yield dropped by 60 bushels compared to the previous year due to unrelenting heat and a 61-day drought. Harrell's dryland corn was particularly affected, almost failing entirely. Yet, he managed to break his own soybean record, demonstrating resilience and innovative farming techniques. He emphasized the importance of planting for normal production initially and then identifying high-yield plots based on emergence and growth patterns. This approach allows him to tailor treatments specifically for contest entries.
Harrell's winning soybean crop utilized Pioneer P49Z02E seeds planted in 30-inch rows with a higher seeding rate than usual. He experimented with singulation, finding that properly spaced plants yielded significantly more beans. Weekly tissue sampling guided his application of foliar fertility using drones and Y-drops, ensuring optimal nutrient levels throughout the growing season. Harrell also noted the critical role of fungicides in protecting crops from diseases brought by Gulf rains, achieving substantial returns on investment.
Looking ahead to 2025, both farmers plan to refine their strategies. Harrell intends to plant multiple populations across fields to spread risk and improve overall averages. Hula is excited about testing a new corn hybrid, anticipating another challenging yet rewarding year. Their dedication to innovation and adaptability underscores the ongoing evolution of modern agriculture, setting benchmarks for future generations.