READLYN - Three hundred-plus bushel corn - and soybeans breaking the century mark - are the stuff of dreams for most farmers.

For producers who consistently win national yield contests, their one-acre competition plots often exceed these figures. It takes generous amounts of fertilizer, high seed populations, deep tillage and constant crop scouting to get record yields.

But applying these techniques to every acre isn't realistic, farmers and crop experts say. It's too costly and time consuming to raise corn like the late Francis Childs of Manchester and soybeans like Kip Cullers of Missouri, officials contend. Childs set the AA non-irrigated corn world record at 442 bushels per acre in 2002, and Cullers established the soybean high mark five years later at 154 bushels per acre.

Farmers and agronomists agree Childs was a good corn producer, but some are skeptical of his record. Childs' ex-wife testified during their divorce case he cheated in 2002 by filling wagons with contest corn early before they were inspected. He denied it, and the record wasn't challenged by the National Corn Growers Association, which sponsors the national yield contest. In 2003, though, the NCGA disqualified Childs for "procedural errors."

Readlyn farmer Dave Schumacher said yield contests are useful if looked at from the proper perspective. Using contest techniques farmwide isn't feasible, but he said cherry picking growing tips have helped him boost production and profits.

"If I can't make money why do it?" Schumacher questioned. "Farmers are in it to make money. It's not a dirty word; we have to make a profit to stay employed."

With spring planting only weeks away, Schumacher said he welcomes advice from local and national yield contest winners - but only if it is cost-effective for his farm.

Childs advocated applying 400 pounds of nitrogen or more to corn - two to three times the typical amount - sometimes through several applications during the growing season. He used a mini moldboard plow to break up soil compaction to promote root development. That doesn't pay if used for an entire operation.

Schumacher and crop experts said the extra fertilizer, fuel and equipment expenses would negate revenue generated from additional bushels.

"He (Childs) made a lot back in endorsements," said George Cummins, an Iowa State University Extension crop specialist. The goal of national yield contests is to "maximize yield, not profit," he said.

Childs' tactics earned him the unofficial title of Corn King, and several state and national yield crowns, but not necessarily big money from selling corn - the only crop he grew. He also raised a small amount of cattle and hogs. Court documents from Childs' divorce showed his farm corporation lost money from 1991 to 2001. During that time span, he won five national corn yield titles.

However, Schumacher said farmers can learn a lot from Childs' teachings. The Corn King circulated a pamphlet with 19 yield-boosting suggestions. Keeping a positive attitude, intense scouting of crops and being willing to experiment all are inexpensive tips that can pay dividends.

"You get insight into what's new. That's how you learn," Schumacher said.

He's learned well. Schumacher enters the annual Readlyn Savings Bank/American Savings Bank Master Corn and Soybean Growers' Yield Contest every year. He beat 13 other Bremer County farmers in the conventional corn category last fall with 241 bushels per acre.

Schumacher said contestants often share notes on seeding rates, planting and harvest dates, fertilizer use, tillage and other information to help each other.

"I play to win, but I don't jazz up my (contest) spot," Schumacher said, referring to using 400 pounds of nitrogen per acre for corn. Schumacher said he uses 180 pounds on contest plots, like the rest of his acres.

The 62-year-old producer attributes an extra 5 bushels per acre each year for corn and 1 to 2 bushels for soybeans from yield contests. Discovering what hybrids work the best for certain soils is key, he said.

Schumacher farms 700 acres, of which 60 percent is corn. With cash corn nearing $3.90 per bushel and soybeans near $9, he said the tips add up.

By knowing what crops are capable of producing - regardless of cost - Iowa State University corn expert Roger Elmore said researchers can breed top-producing hybrids to increase yields.

Elmore also said producers like Cullers are successful because they meticulously scout fields for insect, disease and weed pressure and treat crops before problems start. Cullers also continually seeks growing advice.

"When he calls, he says, 'Hey Roger, what can I do?'" Elmore said. "You learn what it takes to maximize yield. You take techniques and roll that over to the rest of the operation."

On Pioneer Hi-Bred International's Web site, it says Cullers won the Missouri Soybean Association contest in 2008 for the third year in a row with 117 bushels per acre. Several of his large commercial soybean fields reportedly averaged more than 100 bushels per acre.

"(Cullers) manages very intensely," Elmore added. In a televised news report, Cullers said he logged 11,000 miles in three months last year checking 12,000 acres. "Some producers are not willing to go to that level."

Seeding rates make a difference in producing record-breaking yields. Elmore said contest participants push the envelope.

Cullers contest plots reportedly contain 250,000 soybean seeds per acre. ISU suggests 125,000 to 140,000 for the best economical return.

Elmore said contest corn seeding rates of 45,000 to 60,000 seeds per acre is not cost effective for commercial farms, with some seed corn now exceeding $300 per bag. Economics dictate the maximum should be 37,000, he said.

Alan Wagner of Orchard won the Iowa Corn Yieldmasters title in January from Dairyland Seed. His entry produced 286 bushels per acre.

The farmer and trucking company owner said pushing a few contest acres doesn't pay. He prefers to treat all his 1,000 acres basically the same, with moderate changes if needed.

"I couldn't fertilize that many times (like Childs did). I couldn't make it work," Wagner said

But winning has its perks, too.

"I get a kickback from Dairyland … money off of seed," he added.

Contact Matthew Wilde at 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.