Following the ground breaking of its first barley-based ethanol and protein feed bio-processing facility in Hopewell, Va., Osage Bio Energy LLC is launching the Barley Bin Builder Yield Contest for the 2009 crop season in seven states. The top producer in Kentucky will receive a $1,000 award. The top producer among a seven-state region will receive a GM Flex Fuel pickup truck. The winner must be present at the Virginia Ag Expo on August 6, 2009 in order to accept the grand prize.

The goal behind the contest is to increase farmer interest in regional barley production. Farmers in Kentucky, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina are eligible to enter the Barley Bin Builder Yield Contest. Second and third place awards of $750 and $500 respectively will also be awarded in each state.

The yield contest coincides with Osage Bio Energy’s planned construction of bio-processing facilities in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Once operational in 2010, the facilities will work with regional grain elevators to purchase barley for bio-energy production.

Osage Bio Energy says its two bio-processing facilities will provide over $100 million in agricultural economic opportunities, offering farmers a consistent and viable market for barley.

The Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is working with Osage Bio Energy this year to collect entry forms and verify yields.

Applications can be downloaded here. Entry deadline is July 15.