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Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network yield winner tops 173-bushel wheat

Wheat growers in the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) averaged 118 bushels per acre this season, up two bushels from the previous year.

YEN collaborator and Michigan State University wheat specialist Dennis Pennington tells Brownfield significant dryness during grain fill did impact yields depending on soil type.

“We were not expecting to have the kind of yields we have, but we set new record high yield for the end program at 173 bushels per acre, we actually had two growers above 170,” he shares.

USDA’s latest crop production report estimates winter wheat yields averaged about 50 bushels per acre across the U.S.

Pennington says the program is designed to help farmers find ways to increase production.

“If you want to learn how to grow better wheat on your farm, we will collect and update information with this program to help you identify what are the management practices that will help you improve yields on your farm,” he says.

Pennington says most participants report total farm yields better than their state averages.  The program plans to add an economic analysis in the coming years on what practices provide the best return on investment.

Farmers from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Ontario participated during the 2023 season.

The enrollment period to participate will open December 1st for 2024.