HARRISBURG, PA — A Lancaster County farmer has rewritten the agricultural record books. A. Dale Herr Jr. delivered a jaw-dropping performance in this year’s Pennsylvania Soybean Yield competition, claiming the title with a contest-record yield of 117.30 bushels per acre. This monumental achievement, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Soybean Board, underscores the ingenuity and resilience of Pennsylvania’s farmers amid challenging growing conditions.
Competing against over 30 entrants from five regions across the state, Herr’s yield not only dominated the South-Central Region but also set a new benchmark for the competition. His success didn’t come easy—it followed a summer of below-average rainfall, fluctuating temperatures, and the uncertainty of increasingly volatile weather patterns. Ultimately, Herr proved that precision management and clever decision-making remain vital in modern farming.
“The success of Pennsylvania’s top soybean producers highlights what’s possible when science, dedication, and innovation come together,” said a spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Soybean Board. “Farmers like Dale Herr are leading the way and inspiring others to optimize their practices.”
The Record-Breaking Season
The 2024 season was hardly perfect. A cooler-than-average April forced many farmers to plant later than planned. Dry conditions dominated most of the summer, limiting participation in this year’s contest compared to 2023. Only six farms reached the prestigious 100 bushels-per-acre mark, with most located in the South-Central Region. Nevertheless, mid- and late-summer rains provided some relief to the most strategically managed fields.
Herr’s approach epitomized the marriage of tradition and modernity. He planted Pioneer P35Z76E soybeans using no-till methods on April 27, pushing forward even under tough climate conditions. His crop weathered an incredibly dry summer with just 17 inches of rainfall—10 inches below the historical standard for the season—before benefitting from timely rains in July and August. Harvested on October 12, his farm achieved the ultimate symbol of agricultural success in Pennsylvania, serving as a beacon for sustainable, high-yield farming in an era of climate challenges.
A Broader Spotlight on Agriculture
Herr was not the only one to take home accolades. Other regional winners also showcased remarkable agricultural skill. For the Southeastern Region, Brad Keifer of Northampton County came in second overall with 100.54 bushels per acre. Lycoming County’s John Tebbs in the Northern Region achieved an impressive 102.18 bushels per acre. The competition also crowned top growers from Central, Western, and Irrigated categories, each facing and overcoming unique regional hurdles.
Yet, behind these numbers is a larger question for Pennsylvania agriculture and beyond—can record-breaking yields withstand growing environmental and economic pressures in the long term?
With higher-than-average spring and fall temperatures becoming the norm, along with unpredictable rainfall patterns, sustainable practices are taking center stage in the farming community. Many growers, including Herr, are adopting soil-preserving methods such as cover cropping and no-till planting. However, some critics argue that these strategies can’t fully offset larger climate-related challenges.
Political Crossroads for Farming Practices
The record-breaking achievements of this year’s competition also stir ongoing debates about the role of policy in supporting farmers. Advocates for government investment in agriculture point to successes like Herr’s and argue for expanded subsidies for research, innovations in seed technology, and climate resilience programs.
“Farmers like Dale and others showing exceptional results can only sustain this kind of growth if policymakers step up to provide tools for long-term resilience,” said one agricultural advocate. “Rising production costs and climate challenges require broader systemic support.”
On the other hand, some critics question whether high-yield competitions focus too narrowly on production metrics, potentially overlooking soil degradation, resource consumption, and other sustainability concerns. “While record-breaking yields are impressive, we must also look at the bigger picture,” noted one environmentalist. “The question is whether we’re creating a future of sustainable abundance—or one of short-term gains followed by collapse.”
Celebrating Success and Sharing Knowledge
Whatever your perspective, one thing is undeniable—Pennsylvania Soybean Yield competition winners demonstrate the potential for innovation within U.S. agriculture. Herr and his fellow victors will enjoy an educational trip to the Commodity Classic, where they’ll share their experiences and learn from other top producers across the nation.
Furthermore, the contest serves as a repository of agricultural best practices, with results and techniques accessible through Penn State Extension educators and other resources. It’s not just about awards—it’s about raising the bar for everyone in farming.
Looking Ahead
For Herr, this victory is a celebration of determination and resourcefulness, but also a reminder of the challenges ahead. With weather extremes becoming more frequent and input costs climbing, Pennsylvania farmers will need to adapt to continue breaking records and feeding the nation.
Events like the Pennsylvania Soybean Yield competition are more than just competitions—they’re platforms for innovation, collaboration, and resilience amid the harsh realities of modern agriculture. Herr’s victory isn’t just a win for one farmer; it’s a triumph for a community that continues to strive for excellence in the face of uncertainty.
As soybean farmers plan next season, one message rings loud and clear—success in agriculture belongs to those who adapt, innovate, and persevere. This year’s results prove that the future of farming depends not just on yields, but on the willingness to confront and overcome the challenges of a changing world.
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