7/27/99

Contacts:
Darren Jarboe, Iowa Grain Quality Initiative (515) 294-3137
Karen Bolluyt, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-3701

STATE FAIR CORN AND SOYBEAN QUALITY CONTEST ANNOUNCED

AMES -- Corn and soybean samples with high estimated processing values will receive prizes during the Iowa State Fair, August 13 and 14.

Charles Hurburgh, Iowa State University agricultural engineer and coordinator of the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative, will analyze the samples. He noted that high-quality corn can receive premiums of up to 40 cents per bushel, and high-quality soybeans can receive premiums of up to $1.10 per bushel.

People age 21 and younger also can participate by submitting corn and soybean samples that they helped produce. There is no entry fee for the adult or youth division.

For both divisions, one-pint samples of corn and soybeans can be taken to the Agriculture and Horticulture Crops Department at the south end of the Agriculture Building from noon, Wednesday, August 11, until noon on August 14. Or samples may be sent to Bill Turner, Agriculture Building, East 30th Street, Des Moines 50317. Each entry must include information on the hybrid/variety and the contestant's name and address.

Using a whole-grain, near-infrared analyzer, Hurburgh and his colleagues at the Iowa Grain Quality Lab can obtain information about oil, protein and starch (oil and protein in soybeans) in a little more than a minute.

Winners will be announced at 5 p.m., Saturday, August 14. Prizes of up to $50 will be awarded to the adult winners. Each youth entrant will receive a gift for participating.

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