LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas soybean producers are invited to enter the 16th annual Grow for the Green Soybean Yield Challenge (GFTG), a competition offering cash prizes for top yields while highlighting innovation and production practices that benefit farmers statewide. Entries are open through Aug. 1, 2026.
GFTG is administered by the Arkansas Soybean Association (ASA) and funded by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB) with support from the University of Arkansas Extension Services (UADA). In addition to rewarding winners, the challenge gathers and shares production data to help growers adopt effective, yield-boosting practices.
“Grow for the Green continues to highlight the innovation and dedication of Arkansas soybean farmers while creating an opportunity to share valuable production insights across the industry,” said Brad Doyle, a soybean producer from Poinsett County and ASPB board chairman. “By learning from the practices used by top-yielding growers, farmers across the state can apply those lessons to strengthen their own operations and improve yields.”
Cash prizes are awarded to the top three producers in each division:
- First place: $7,500
- Second place: $5,000
- Third place: $2,500
You can apply and see full contest details here.
Producers compete in seven geographic regions, plus one statewide conventional (non-GMO) division:
- Northeast Delta: Mississippi, Crittenden, and East of Crowley’s Ridge in Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett and Cross counties
- Northeast: Randolph, Lawrence and West of Crowley’s Ridge in Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett and Cross counties
- White River Basin: Independence, Jackson, Woodruff, White and Monroe counties
- Central & Grand Prairie: Pulaski, Lonoke, Prairie and Arkansas counties
- East Central Delta: St. Francis, Lee, Phillips and Desha (Snow Lake Area) counties
- Southeast Delta: Jefferson, Lincoln, Drew, Ashley, Chicot and Desha counties
- Western: Remainder of the state
- Conventional Division: Entire State non-GMO production
Producers who achieve 100 bushels per acre will be inducted into the 100 Bushel Club. First-time members are eligible for a share of an additional $5,000 in prize, along with a paid trip to Commodity Classic 2027, the country’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational event, in New Orleans. Current members of the 100 Bushel Club compete in a champions division and the winner receives $5,000.
“When Arkansas soybean farmers succeed, the benefits extend far beyond the farm,” said Derek Helms, ASA President. “The Grow for the Green Soybean Yield Challenge encourages producers to explore new practices, maximize yield potential and continue moving Arkansas’ soybean industry forward.”
GFTG production data and results from previous years are available at ArkansasSoybean.com. Applications can be downloaded from TheMiracleBean.com and submitted by mail, email or fax to ASA. Applicants are encouraged to confirm receipt with ASA.
For questions, soybean producers may contact their local county extension agent or the Arkansas Soybean Association directly at 501-666-1418 or swsoy@aristotle.net.
Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board is led by nine volunteer farmer-leaders appointed by the Governor. Soybeans are Arkansas’s top row crop with approximately 3 million acres planted each year, generating an annual economic impact of $2 billion. Arkansas is consistently ranked among the top ten soybean producing states nationally, exporting 50% of its crop. ASPB invests more than $2.2 million in research each year as part of its commitment to the continued sustainability of the Arkansas soybean industry. Learn more by visiting www.themiraclebean.com.
Arkansas Soybean Association
Since 1964, the Arkansas Soybean Association has worked diligently to enhance the economic viability and social well-being of Arkansas soybean producers and their industry. The ASA is an affiliate of the American Soybean Association and is governed by a board of 30 volunteer farmer-leaders from across the state. Learn more about the Arkansas Soybean Association at www.arkansassoybean.com.
