WestBred Celebrates High-Yield Wheat Growers at Commodity Classic

March 12, 2026

One of the highlights of Commodity Classic each year is honoring the winners of the National Wheat Yield Contest, organized by the National Wheat Foundation. The contest recognizes top-performing wheat growers from across the country who are achieving exceptional yields while maintaining high grain quality.

An important partner helping make the contest possible is WestBred wheat.

Justin Berg, Technical Product Manager, says the annual celebration is a highlight for the company and the farmers involved.

“It’s always an event we love to attend and celebrate,” Berg said. “The big reason we come down here is to honor the National Wheat Yield Contest winners and recognize the work they’ve put in throughout the year.”

While it’s a chance to celebrate success, Berg acknowledged farmers are also navigating a number of challenges heading into the 2026 growing season, particularly across the Northern Plains where market uncertainty and acreage decisions remain top of mind.

Despite those concerns, Berg said the contest proves what is still possible in wheat production.

“It really shows that we can still achieve high yields while also producing good quality wheat,” he said.

This year also marks a milestone for WestBred, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Berg noted the company has spent decades focusing on innovation and developing varieties tailored to farmers’ specific growing conditions.

“We want to continue bringing new varieties to our customers and meeting the demands growers face,” Berg said. “WestBred was built on the mission of serving farmers with varieties designed for their region—not a one-size-fits-all approach.”

That focus on matching the right wheat variety to the right field helps growers manage evolving challenges such as head scab, sawfly, and Hessian fly, while continuing to push yields higher.

As Berg put it, the goal is simple: help farmers succeed with “the right variety for the right acre.” 

Source: Ag Information Network/Western Ag Network