Quality focused awards highlight high yielding and high performing U.S. wheat
The National Wheat Foundation has announced the twelve recipients of the Top Quality Awards in the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest. These awards recognize wheat growers who achieved strong yields while also meeting high standards for grain, milling, flour, and end-use quality.
A total of 28 national yield winners submitted ten-pound wheat samples for detailed laboratory testing. A panel of thirteen industry experts reviewed the results and selected the wheat samples that earned the Top Quality designation. Each winner will receive a $250 cash prize during the Winners’ Reception on February 24, 2026, in San Antonio, held alongside Commodity Classic.
The National Wheat Yield Contest is marking its tenth year, while the quality award component is in its fourth year. This quality focus was added after strong interest from wheat breeders, commissions, millers, bakers, and export partners who wanted the contest to reward more than yield alone.
“One of our priorities at the National Wheat Foundation is to demonstrate that high-yielding wheat can also be high-quality wheat,” said Brian Walker, Director of the National Wheat Foundation and a retired flour milling quality executive and consultant. “By evaluating and rewarding both yield and quality, the contest helps educate every segment of the wheat sector on why both are critical to long-term success.”
Wheat is the largest food crop grown in the United States, and nearly half of the crop is exported. Buyers expect U.S. wheat to be consistent and dependable. The contest helps gather data on the three key factors that influence wheat quality: genetics, environment, and farm management.
According to contest organizers, recent results show that well-selected wheat varieties can maintain high quality even when yields reach two, three, or four times the national average. This finding highlights the importance of choosing good varieties and using proper management practices.
All wheat growers are encouraged to enter the 2026 contest. Registration is now open, and entries can begin in March. Progressive Farmer serves as the official publication of the contest.
Top Quality Award Winners
Soft White
• Jerry & Daniel Mullen – St. Paul, OR – 1st Winter Dryland – OSU Gale – 186.11 bpa
• Steve VanGrunsven – Forest Grove, OR – Bin Buster Winter Dryland – OSU Rosalyn – 198.32 bpa
• Garrett Warren – Dayton, WA – 2nd Winter Dryland – LCS 50/50 Shine/Jefe – 169.00 bpa
Soft Red Winter
• Steve Wilkens – Random Lake, WI – 4th Winter Dryland – Pioneer 25R64 – 161.48 bpa
• Blake Anthis – Wheatland, IN – 5th Winter Dryland – Dyna-Gro 9533 – 155.70 bpa
• Nick Suwyn – Wayland, MI – 2nd Winter Irrigated – ISF 780 – 185.60 bpa
Hard Red Winter
• Matt Dornan – Chandler, OK – 2nd % Increase – WB4422 – 106.45 bpa
• Wyatt Ramage – Billings, MT – 5th % Increase – Dyna-Gro Ramsay – 141.48 bpa
• Kenneth O’Neal – Groom, TX – 3rd % Increase – WB4792 – 89.14 bpa
Hard Red Spring
• Karissa Berg – Bottineau, ND – 2nd Spring Dryland – Dyna-Gro Ballistic – 110.64 bpa
• Jordan Christman – Hettinger, ND – 1st % Increase – WB9590 – 101.27 bpa
Hard White Spring
• Dallin Wilcox – Rexburg, ID – 1st Spring Irrigated – WB7589 – 190.10 bpa
Photo Credit: National-Wheat-Foundation-logo