This year’s Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) competition set a record, with the highest winter wheat yield ever recorded since the program’s 2021 launch — surpassing 180 bu/acre.
The initiative, led by Grain Farmers of Ontario, Michigan State University, Michigan Wheat Program, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, and the University of Guelph, aims to drive innovation and knowledge sharing in wheat production.
Announced Thursday, this year’s winners for the highest yield were Nick Suwyn of Michigan with 182.6 bu/acre, Wayne Metzger of Ontario with 170.1 bu/acre, and Ben Wilson of Michigan with 156.2 bu/acre.
“Farming today is more technical and knowledge-driven than ever before, and programs like the Great Lakes YEN play a vital role in helping farmers understand the science behind their yields,” Paul Hoekstra, Vice President of Strategic Development at Grain Farmers of Ontario, said in a release. “We congratulate this year’s winners, including the program’s highest-yielding participant to date, and we look forward to continuing to work with farmers across the region to build on this success.”
The program reported an average yield of over 115 bu/acre across all participating farms — a strong result attributed to excellent fall establishment, timely moisture – despite some regional dryness - and careful management throughout the growing season. Snow cover protected most fields through winter, while split nitrogen and sulphur applications supported vigorous spring growth.
Challenges included stripe rust outbreaks in Ontario and wind damage in parts of Michigan, but most farmers still achieved strong yields.
Ontario reported high-quality, low-DON grain, while U.S. fields also produced excellent quality except for isolated sprouting caused by late-season rains.
Farmers interested in joining the 2025-2026 Great Lakes YEN can visit https://greatlakesyen.com/how-to-participate/ for details and registration updates. Registration will open in early October and close January 30, 2026.
