The National Wheat Yield Contest is thrilled to announce the achievements of its 24 national winners, hailing from 12 different states, who have achieved an average yield of 144 bushels per acre across all categories. Additionally, we proudly recognize the 83 state winners representing 28 states, with their remarkable yields averaging 127 bushels per acre across the various categories, including winter wheat-dryland, winter wheat-irrigated, spring wheat-dryland, and spring wheat-irrigated. It is worth noting that some dryland category winners are determined by high yield, while others are evaluated based on their percentage over the county average.
One of the highlights this year is the exceptional resilience demonstrated by wheat growers. Despite facing adversity, with 59% of winter wheat production affected by drought on May 9, and 75% of spring wheat production impacted on July 25, these dedicated individuals have showcased their unwavering commitment to maximizing their wheat productivity in spite of environmental challenges. The entry deadlines for the contest, falling on May 15 and Aug. 1 for winter and spring wheat, received robust participation, defying the odds posed by prolonged drought in the central and southern plains, as well as the challenging conditions in spring wheat areas.
“Eastern soft winter wheat areas had tremendous yields this year, and millers are happy with the quality of wheat coming from these areas. It is exciting to see the potential when the genetics, management, and environment are all aligned in the wheat grower’s favor,” commented Bernard Peterson, chairman of the National Wheat Foundation, and farmer in Loretto, Kentucky.
The contest not only emphasizes high yield but also places great importance on quality. The 24 national winners will submit grain samples for detailed analysis of milling and baking qualities, with expert panels assessing the wheat samples for quality. Outstanding quality will be rewarded with $250 awards at the reception, and these exceptional quality winners will be officially announced in mid-January.
In recognition of their outstanding achievements, the national winners will be honored with a trip to the Commodity Classic in February 2024, hosted in Houston, Texas. The accolades will culminate in a special celebration at the National Wheat Foundation Winner’s Reception on Feb. 28, 2024.
These remarkable individuals not only demonstrate exceptional yields but also exemplify the unwavering spirit and dedication within the wheat industry, setting a high standard for excellence and innovation.
The contest would not be possible without the help of our tremendous partners: John Deere, WestBred, BASF, U.S. Wheat Associates, Croplan, Eastman, The McGregor Companies, AgriMaxx, Ardent Mills, BushelFarm, Dyna-Gro, GrainSense, Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Mennel, North Carolina Small Grain Growers Association, Ohio Corn&Wheat, PlainsGold, UniSouth Genetics, UPL, Grain Craft, Grow Pro, Kansas Wheat, Michigan Wheat, Miller Milling, North Dakota Mill, and Northern Crops Institute.
An additional thanks to Progressive Farmer/DTN, the official publication of the National Wheat Yield Contest.
See the national winners here and the state winners here.
2023 NATIONAL WINNERS
Winter Wheat-Dryland
Bin Buster Dick Judah Oregon
1st Derek Berger Oregon
2nd Randy Eschenburg Michigan
3rd Kent Edwards Ohio
4th Guy Gochenour Virginia
5th William Willard Maryland
1st-% Over County Marc Arnusch Colorado
2nd-% Over County Brett Arnusch Colorado
3rd-% Over County Travis Freeburg Nebraska
4th-% Over County Casey Cantwell Colorado
5th-% Over County David Ebers Oklahoma
Winter Wheat-Irrigated
Bin Buster Chris Gross Washington
1st Gary Reynolds Idaho
2nd Nick Suwyn Michigan
Spring Wheat-Dryland
Bin Buster Brad Disrud North Dakota
1st John Wesolowski Minnesota
2nd Lance Olson North Dakota
3rd Trevor Stout Idaho
1st-% Over County Austin Kautzman North Dakota
2nd-% Over County Jason Signalness North Dakota
3rd-% Over County Devan Laufer North Dakota
Spring Wheat-Irrigated
Bin Buster Dallin Wilcox Idaho
1st Jess Blatchford Oregon
2nd Jeff Bieber North Dakota
For more details on the National Wheat Yield Contest, visit yieldcontest.wheatfoundation.org. For questions on sponsorship of the 2024 contest, contact Anne Osborne [email protected].
