Washington, D.C. (November 5, 2025) – The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) today announced the winners of the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest during its annual fall meeting in Austin, TX. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the contest, which continues to highlight excellence and innovation in U.S. wheat production.
Since its inception in 2016, the contest has aimed to improve the productivity, quality, and marketability of the U.S. wheat crop while fostering education and collaboration across all segments of the industry. Through the contest, top wheat producers share the management practices and technologies that help them achieve exceptional yields, high quality, and stronger profitability.
This year’s contest attracted 465 entries, including 30 submissions in the pilot Digital Yield categories. Winners were recognized in four traditional 5-Acre categories and two digital yield categories, representing the diversity and innovation of America’s wheat farmers. Among the honorees, 17 are repeat winners, while 11 are first-time national champions.
“We are pleased to see winners from new states such as Wisconsin and Indiana as well as the traditional large wheat states like my home state-Montana. Congratulations to everyone who entered and completed the contest. It takes extra work and time, but it pays off in what is learned and then applied to raise productivity on our entire farm’s wheat acres,” said Gary Broyles, NWF Chairman (MT).
Yields were particularly strong in 2025, with record-high averages in two categories:
· Winter Dryland (Yield Basis): 172.51 bushels per acre (bpa)
· Spring Irrigated: 187.94 bpa
In addition to yield, the contest includes a grain quality component. Each national winner submits a 10-pound wheat sample for testing of grain, flour, and end-use quality. Soft wheat samples will be analyzed at the Wheat Marketing Center in Portland, Oregon, while hard wheat samples will be tested at the Great Plains Analytical Laboratory in Kansas City, Kansas. Testing follows the same protocols used by U.S. Wheat Associates for annual crop quality evaluations.
“We are learning that with the proper management, environment and variety selection these high yield growers can also achieve industry desired top-quality wheat. That is what the contest encourages everyone to do- strive for high yield, quality and profitability,” said Anne Osborne, NWF Executive Director.
Quality Award winners will be announced in mid-January 2026, following expert evaluation of the test results.
The National Wheat Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the contest’s industry partners and sponsors, whose support makes this initiative possible:
John Deere, WestBred, BASF, Dyna-Gro, AgXplore, Croplan, Limagrain, U.S. Wheat Associates, The McGregor Companies, AgriMaxx, Anheuser-Busch, Ardent Mills, BNSF, Corteva, Eastman, Mennel Milling, Siemer Milling, UPL, Bushel, Climate FieldView, Grain Craft, Miller Milling, Nachurs, PlainsGold, Idaho Wheat, Kansas Wheat, Kansas Wheat Alliance, Kentucky Small Grain Growers, Michigan Wheat, Montana Grain Growers, North Carolina Small Grain Growers, Ohio Corn & Wheat, and Texas Wheat.
Progressive Farmer serves as the official publication of the National Wheat Yield Contest. The full list winners can be found Here. For more details on the National Wheat Yield Contest, visit National Wheat Yield Contest – National Wheat Foundation.
