Shawn Kimbrell of Sunray, Texas, was announced as a first place winner in the dryland winter wheat category of the National Wheat Yield Contest on November 12, 2019.
The National Wheat Yield Contest is held by the National Wheat Foundation, a non-profit organization managed by the National Association of Wheat Growers that serves as the center for wheat research, education and outreach. The contest offers wheat growers the opportunity to compete on a national level and improve their production practices through new and innovative techniques. There are winners in two primary categories: winter wheat and spring wheat; as well as two subcategories: dryland and irrigated. All submitted samples are analyzed for quality, with only the highest grade wheat samples eligible to place in the contest. Submissions are also tested on other quality factors like protein and test weight.
Kimbrell received first place for the percentage increase by which his crop yield exceeded his county’s five-year Olympic average. His final yield was 70.93 bushels per acre, 373% over the Moore County average. Kimbrell planted the WestBred variety Winterhawk.
“The secret to a successful crop is to treat your wheat right,” said Kimbrell. “I have grown wheat for over 20 years and have a great respect for it. This year, we were lucky enough to have ideal conditions on top of our established management routine.”
Kimbrell grows dryland wheat in a no-till rotation with a spring crop, such as cotton or sorghum, followed by layout ground. He also co-owns and operates his family seed company, Seed Inc., which offers a wide selection of seed varieties as well as custom bagging, seed conditioning and seed treatments.
All contest winners will be recognized at the 2020 Commodity Classic in San Antonio on February 27. This is the first time a Texas producer has received a national award since the National Wheat Yield Contest started in 2017.
“The Texas Wheat Producers Association would like to congratulate Kimbrell on his exceptional crop management,” said TWPA President Jody Bellah.
The full list of winners, as well as contest rules and entry, are available on the National Wheat Foundation website.
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