By Jamie Martin
Wheat growers from across the United States are being recognized for outstanding production achievements through the 2026 National Wheat Yield Contest.
The National Wheat Foundation announced 24 national winners representing 10 states, along with four national winners in the contest pilot digital yield category. The organization also recognized 71 state winners from 22 states for their production accomplishments.
National winners recorded an average wheat yield of 146.40 bushels per acre. State winners in traditional contest categories achieved an average yield of 134.72 bushels per acre, demonstrating the strong performance of growers across multiple production regions.
The accomplishments are especially notable given the growing challenges producers faced during the season. Drought conditions and reduced wheat acreage resulted in fewer contest entries compared to previous years. Even so, farmers continued to demonstrate adaptability and determination throughout the growing season.
The National Wheat Yield Contest was established to encourage improvements in wheat productivity, grain quality, and market opportunities. Since its launch in 2016, the contest has become an important platform for sharing successful farming practices among growers and industry professionals.
Participants provide valuable information about agronomic strategies, technology adoption, and production decisions that contribute to their success. By highlighting these practices, the contest serves as an educational resource for producers seeking to improve performance on their own farms.
Contest officials observed several encouraging participation trends during the 2026 competition. Montana and Washington each recorded four national winners while also increasing overall participation. Organizers also reported growing interest from double crop production regions where wheat is often followed by soybean production.
“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.”
Industry leaders note that successful wheat production in these systems can create profitable opportunities for producers. As a result, participation from double crop areas continues to increase year after year.
National Winners and Top Performers by Category are:
Winter Wheat Irrigated
- Rylee Reynolds (ID) - Bin Buster
- John Frisch (OR) - 2nd Place
- Noah Beechinor (WA) - 1st Place
- Thane Tobol (MT)
- Brett Heidema (MT)
Winter Wheat Dryland
- Mike Stout (ID) - 2nd Place
- VFF (KS) - 3rd Place
- Nick Suwyn (MI) - 4th Place
- Kent Edwards (OH) - 5th Place
- Jake Druffel (WA) - Bin Buster
- Matt Dornan (OK) - 1st Place
- Joe Limbaugh (WA) - 1st Place
Spring Wheat Irrigated
- Dallin Wilcox (ID) - Bin Buster
- Wyatt Furness (ID) - 1st Place
- Jess Blatchford (OR) - 2nd Place
Spring Wheat Dryland
- Helle Ruddenklau (OR) - Bin Buster
- Justin Liebl (ND) - 1st Place
- Dale Flikkema (MT) - 2nd Place
- Brent Philipp (MN) - 3rd Place
Winter Dry Digital Yield
- Cayden Ledbetter (OK) - 1st Digital
- Lauren Foutch (OK) - 1st Digital % Increase
Spring Dry Digital Yield
- Tim Hendrickson (ND) - 1st Digital
- John Hofer (ND) - 1st Digital % Increase
- Brent Philipp (MN)
Notable State Representation
- Montana: Thane Tobol, Brett Heidema, Brandon Philipps, Jake Baum, Dale Flikkema
- Washington: Noah Beechinor, Jake Druffel, Joe Limbaugh, Garrett Warren
- Idaho: Rylee Reynolds, Mike Stout, Reagan Grabner, Dallin Wilcox, Wyatt Furness
- North Dakota: Justin Liebl, Benjamin Heger, Tim Hendrickson, John Hofer
Another key element of the contest is its focus on grain quality. While yield results have already been announced, Top Quality Award winners will be revealed in January 2027. These awards will be based on evaluations of grain, flour, and finished product characteristics, recognizing growers who achieve excellence beyond yield alone.
National winners will gather at Commodity Classic in New Orleans in March 2027, where they will be formally recognized for their achievements. The event offers opportunities for growers to exchange ideas, discuss management approaches, and learn from one another's experiences.
Contest organizers emphasize that the greatest value often comes from the production of knowledge shared through participation. The information generated through the contest helps growers identify management practices that can improve yield potential, grain quality, and overall profitability.
Support from agricultural companies, grower organizations, milling companies, research groups, and other industry partners continues to play an important role in the contest's success. These partnerships help promote innovation and encourage continuous improvement throughout the wheat industry.
As producers face evolving market conditions and environmental challenges, the contest continues to highlight the importance of research-based management practices and collaboration. The achievements of the 2026 winners demonstrate how dedication, innovation, and careful crop management can contribute to strong wheat production outcomes across the United States.
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
Categories: National