The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) has announced the 12 winners of the 2024 National Wheat Yield Contest, recognizing growers for achieving exceptional results in both yield and grain quality. The announcement took place during the Top-Quality Awards Webinar, where BASF and additional industry experts discussed advancements in wheat production and solutions for the wheat acre.
Now in its third year, the quality evaluation required winning growers to submit 10-pound samples for analysis of test weight, protein content, gluten strength, and other key characteristics, with results assessed by a panel of wheat experts. All national yield and quality contest winners will be recognized at the NWF Winner’s Reception, to be held in Denver next month at the 2025 Commodity Classic.
2024 Top Quality Winners include:
HARD RED SPRING CATEGORY
Dale Flikkema, Bozeman, Montana – 2nd Spring Dryland/WestBred WB9668, 113.74 bpa
Bruce & Helle Ruddenklau, Amity, Oregon – 3rd Spring Dryland/WestBred WB9668, 106.95 bpa
Austin Kautzman, Mott, North Dakota – 2nd % increase Spring Dryland/WestBred WB9606, 90.13 bpa, 147.01% increase over county
SOFT WHITE CATEGORY
Joel Zwainz, Reardan, Washington – 2nd Spring Irrigated/WSU Tekoa, 165.35 bushels per acre (bpa)
Oree Reynolds, Castleford, Idaho – 1st Winter Irrigated/WestBred WB1621, 220.81 bpa
Jess Blatchford, Baker City, Oregon – Bin Buster Spring Irrigated/WestBred WB6341, 174.74 bpa
SOFT RED CATEGORY
Mark Deysher, Bath, Pennsylvania – 5th Winter Dryland/Seedway SW65, 152.32 bpa
Scott Truszkowski, Stewartsville, New Jersey – 4th Winter Dryland/Dyna-Gro 9070, 152.33 bpa
HARD RED WINTER CATEGORY
Tom Hill, Tonkawa, Oklahoma – 3rd % increase Winter Dryland/LCS Warbird AX, 135.64 bpa, 282.72% increase over county
Zach Balahtsis, Tonkawa, Oklahoma – 2nd Winter Irrigated/LCS Warbird AX, 177.52 bpa
David Ebers, Wellston, Oklahoma/1st % increase Winter Dryland /WestBred WB4422, 136.42 bpa, 350.52% increase over county
HARD WHITE SPRING CATEGORY
Dallin Wilcox, Rexburg, Idaho – 1st Spring Irrigated/WestBred WB7589, 169.94 bpa