Ontario winter wheat growers were standout performers in the 2025-26 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) program.
Jeff Cook of Ontario took first place for highest winter wheat yield at 163.2 bu/acre, followed by Michigan growers Ben Wilson at 154 bu and Doug Suwyn at 151.2 bu.
In the yield potential category, Ontario’s Laurent Van Arkel finished first after achieving 108% of his estimated yield potential. Wilson and fellow Michigan grower Dwight Bartle tied for second at 98%, Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) announced in a release earlier this week.
Now in its sixth year, the Great Lakes YEN brings together farmers, researchers and agricultural organizations from Ontario and the U.S. Great Lakes region to improve winter wheat production through data analysis, collaboration and improved crop management.
“We congratulate this year’s winners and all participants for their dedication to pushing the boundaries of winter wheat production,” said Paul Hoekstra, vice president, Strategic Development, Grain Farmers of Ontario.
“It is especially exciting to see Ontario farmers claim both the top yield and top percentage of yield potential awards for the first time in the program’s (history).”
YEN participants achieved an average yield of 112 bu/acre this season despite challenging growing conditions.
Winter wheat establishment was generally successful, with strong winter survival and minimal winterkill, said the GFO release. However, a cool, wet spring delayed crop development and field operations. Stripe rust emerged as the primary disease concern in Ontario, while cereal leaf beetle and true armyworm required additional monitoring and management.
Favourable moisture supported strong yield potential during flowering and grain filling, although periods of heat and localized disease pressures affected some fields.
The Great Lakes YEN was established in 2021 through a partnership involving GFO, Michigan State University, the Michigan Wheat Program, the Ontario government, and the University of Guelph.
