Wheat producers earn national recognition for high yields despite a challenging growing season
The National Wheat Foundation has announced the winners of the 2026 National Wheat Yield Contest, recognizing growers who achieved exceptional wheat yields while overcoming challenging weather conditions.
This year's competition honored 24 national winners representing 10 states. In addition, four producers were recognized in the contest pilot digital yield category, while 71 state winners from 22 states earned awards for their performance. National winners achieved an average yield of 146.40 bushels per acre, while state winners in traditional contest categories averaged 134.72 bushels per acre.
Contest organizers noted that drought conditions and reduced wheat acreage contributed to fewer entries compared to previous years. Despite these challenges, participating growers demonstrated strong resilience and continued to achieve impressive results.
Founded in 2016, the National Wheat Yield Contest was created to improve the productivity, quality, and profitability of wheat production. The program also encourages collaboration among growers, researchers, and industry partners while helping producers learn from successful farming practices.
A major focus of the contest is sharing proven management strategies and production technologies. Growers participating in the program provide valuable information about practices that contribute to higher yields, improved grain quality, and better farm profitability. These insights help other wheat producers adopt methods that may improve results on their own operations.
Contest officials highlighted growing participation in several regions. Montana and Washington both increased their involvement and produced four national winners each. Organizers also reported continued growth in double crop production areas, where producers are successfully growing wheat before planting a second crop such as soybeans.
According to contest leaders, many growers in double crop regions are finding that high yielding and high-quality wheat can contribute significantly to farm profitability. The increasing number of contest entries from these regions reflects the value producers place on improving wheat management and production efficiency.
“Two participation trends stand out this year. Montana and Washington increased both participation and their number of winners, with four national winners in each state. Interest in the contest also continues to grow in double-crop areas, where we receive more entries every year,” said Anne Osborne, executive director of the National Wheat Foundation.
She said, “Our contacts in those areas tell us that when they can grow both high-yielding and high-quality wheat before their double-crop soybeans, those are the most profitable acres on the farm.”
National winners will be honored during the Commodity Classic in New Orleans in March 2027. The annual event provides an opportunity for top wheat growers from across the country to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss successful production practices. Industry leaders say these conversations often provide valuable knowledge that can be applied to farms nationwide.
National Winners and Top Performers by Category are:
Winter Wheat Irrigated
Winter Wheat Dryland
Spring Wheat Irrigated
Spring Wheat Dryland
Winter Dry Digital Yield
Spring Dry Digital Yield
Notable State Representation
Montana: Thane Tobol, Brett Heidema, Brandon Philipps, Jake Baum, Dale Flikkema
Idaho: Rylee Reynolds, Mike Stout, Reagan Grabner, Dallin Wilcox, Wyatt Furness
The contest will also announce its Top-Quality Award winners in January 2027 after detailed evaluation of grain, flour, and finished product quality characteristics. This quality component highlights the importance of producing wheat that meets both yield and end use requirements.
The National Wheat Foundation emphasized that improving both yield and quality remains central to the contest's long-term mission. By recognizing successful producers and encouraging the exchange of management practices, the organization aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. wheat industry.
The contest would not be possible without support from numerous industry and state partners, including seed companies, crop protection providers, equipment manufacturers, milling organizations, grower associations, and other agricultural stakeholders. Their contributions help create opportunities for education, innovation, and advancement across the wheat sector.
As wheat producers continue to face changing weather conditions and production challenges, events like the National Wheat Yield Contest showcase the innovation, dedication, and expertise that drive success in modern agriculture. The achievements of this year's winners demonstrate that strong management practices can deliver outstanding results even under difficult circumstances.
Register at the National Wheat Yield Contest website and submit entries starting March 1, 2027. Winter wheat entries are due May 15, 2027, and spring wheat entries are due July 31, 2027.
Photo Credit: National Wheat Yield Foundation