Ben Scholz of Lavon and Blaise Wilde of Wall, Texas, were announced as first place state winners in the National Wheat Yield Contest on November 23, 2020.
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.
Scholz received first place in the dryland winter wheat category with a final yield of 72.81 bushels per acre. The Collin County average is approximately 38 bushels per acre. He planted AGS 2055, a soft red winter wheat variety from the University of Arkansas.
“I planted early because in recent years, our area has had an exceptionally wet fall. I worked with input suppliers on updating fertility programs and incorporating micronutrients. This variety has performed very well in our regional variety trials,” said Scholz. “I encourage other producers to question the norm and consider different management strategies than you’ve tried in the past.”
Scholz farms two primary crops, wheat and corn, on 1,500 acres. He has been notably involved in local, state and national organizations, including the Texas Wheat Producers Association. Scholz celebrated his fiftieth year of farming last year. He was recognized as a second-place state winner in the 2018 National Wheat Yield Contest.
Wilde received first place in the irrigated winter wheat category with a final yield of 106.21 bushels per acre. The Tom Green county average is approximately 25 bushels per acre. Wilde planted the OK Genetics variety Showdown.
“We were lucky enough to get two inches of rain after planting, which helped the crop take off, and that was followed by warm weather, which really helped root development. It is a great variety and doesn’t require much input. My advice is to keep your fields clean and prepped, don’t overplant and use necessary treatments. You get out of it what you put in,” said Wilde. “I want to thank my family and the people of Oklahoma Foundation Seed Stocks.”
Wilde produces wheat only, with approximately 85% of his operation in dryland and 15% irrigated. He follows the same management practice year after year, which includes plowing twice before planting and applying fungicides with added nitrogen in the early spring. This is Wilde’s second time to be recognized as a first-place state winner in the National Wheat Yield Contest.
“The Texas Wheat Producers Association would like to congratulate Ben and Blaise on their outstanding yields and demonstration of excellent crop management,” said TWPA President Jody Bellah.
The full list of state winners, as well as contest rules and entry, are available on the National Wheat Foundation website.
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