Top wheat yields by seed genetics

By Andi Anderson

Seed Genetics Direct recently announced the winners of their annual Wheat Yield Contest.

This year, Randy Leib from Prospect secured the top position with an outstanding yield of 117.64 bushels per acre. Nathan and Steve Birkemeier of NS Farm Service in Columbus Grove earned second place with a yield of 116.86 bushels per acre, while Josh Eckstein from Sunman, IN, achieved third place with a yield of 115.82 bushels per acre.

“We had several high-yielding entries!” said Todd Jeffries, vice president of Seed Genetics Direct. “While wheat yields were down across the board from last year, this was the first year that every entry we received was north of the 100-bushel mark.”

Randy Leib achieved his top yield by planting AGI 217B, a high-performing variety in the Ohio Wheat Performance Trials. He planted on October 10 at a rate of 135 pounds per acre and harvested on June 28 with a test weight of 57.2 pounds per bushel.

The Birkemeiers planted AGI 114, known for its excellent disease resistance and versatility across different soils, at a rate of 1.5 million seeds per acre on October 18 and harvested on June 28. Josh Eckstein also planted AGI 217B at 100 pounds per acre on October 20 and harvested on June 19.

All winners will receive free seed valued between $1,000 and $2,500, along with free herbicide worth the same amount. Seed Genetics Direct, based in Jeffersonville, is offering both AGI 217B and AGI 114 for the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons.

The lineup includes bearded and smooth wheat varieties ranging from very early to medium-full maturity. Orders placed before September 1 will receive an additional $2 off per unit. For a complete lineup and pricing details, contact Todd Jeffries at toddj@seedgeneticsdirect.com.

The Wheat Yield Contest highlights the effectiveness of different wheat varieties and farming practices, encouraging farmers to strive for higher yields and better crop management.

Seed Genetics Direct continues to support farmers by providing high-quality seeds and innovative solutions to enhance agricultural productivity in the Eastern Corn Belt.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sveta