Ontario and Michigan wheat growers earned top honors in the Great Lakes YEN program for achieving outstanding yields and maximizing crop yield potential.
The Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) has announced its winners for the 2025-26 season, recognizing farmers in Ontario and Michigan for their outstanding winter wheat yields and ability to achieve their crops' yield potential.
The program is supported by the Michigan Wheat Program, Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), Michigan State University (MSU), the University of Guelph, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
Now in its sixth year, Great Lakes YEN encourages farmers to use data-driven decisions, advanced crop management practices, and collaboration to improve winter wheat production across the Great Lakes region.
The winners for the highest winter wheat yield were:
- Jeff Cook (Ontario) — 163.2 bushels per acre
- Ben Wilson (Carson City, Michigan) — 154.0 bushels per acre
- Doug Suwyn (Wayland, Michigan) — 151.2 bushels per acre
The winners for the highest percentage of yield potential achieved were:
- Laurent Van Arkel (Ontario) — 108%
- Ben Wilson (Carson City, Michigan) — 98%
- Dwight Bartle (Brown City, Michigan) — 98%
Participants recorded an average yield of 112 bushels per acre despite weather-related difficulties, disease concerns, and insect pressure.
“The Great Lakes YEN continues to demonstrate how curiosity, innovation and a commitment to learning can help growers unlock new levels of performance in their winter wheat crops,” said Paul Hoekstra, GFO vice president of strategic development.
Hoekstra congratulated the winners and participants, noting that Ontario farmers earned both top awards for the first time in the program's history.
According to Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat specialist, “The weather is never perfect, but growers are learning how to adjust their management based on the results they receive on their farm during different growing seasons.”
Seasonal conditions varied across the region. Dry weather delayed planting in some locations, but winter survival was generally strong, with limited winterkill and healthy spring stands.
Cool, wet spring conditions slowed crop development and fieldwork, while stripe rust became the primary disease concern in Ontario. Cereal leaf beetle and true armyworm also required additional monitoring in some areas.
Adequate moisture supported crop development during flowering and grain fill, although heat reduced yields in certain fields. Despite localized disease, pest, and grain quality challenges, proactive management helped many growers achieve strong results.
“With six years of Great Lakes YEN data, we are building a stronger understanding of the factors that contribute to high-performing wheat across a wide range of growing environments,” said Jody Pollok-Newsom, executive director of the Michigan Wheat Program.
Pollok-Newsom highlighted the value of comparing actual yields with potential yields to identify opportunities for improvement.
Detailed participant reports and shared experiences help farmers apply research and field observations to future growing seasons.
Registration for the 2026-27 Great Lakes YEN program will open soon and close February 1, 2027. Interested farmers can find participation details at https://greatlakesyen.com/how-to-participate/.
Photo Credit: great-lakes-yield