Lavon, Wall farmers win wheat awards
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
National Wheat Foundation
AMARILLO—Ben Scholz of Lavon and Blaise Wilde of Wall were announced as first place state winners in the National Wheat Yield Contest. The contest offers wheat growers the opportunity to compete on a national level and improve their production practices through new and innovative techniques. There are winners in two primary categories: winter wheat and spring wheat; as well as two subcategories: dryland and irrigated. All submitted samples are analyzed for quality, with only the highest grade wheat samples eligible to place in the contest. Submissions are also tested on other quality factors like protein and test weight. Scholz received first place in the dryland winter wheat category with a final yield of 72.81 bushels per acre. The Collin County average is approximately 38 bushels per acre.
He planted AGS 2055, a soft red winter wheat variety from the University of Arkansas. “I planted early because in recent years, our area has had an exceptionally wet fall,” said Scholz. “I worked with input suppliers on updating fertility programs and incorporating micronutrients. This variety has performed very well in our regional variety trials.
Wilde received first place in the irrigated winter wheat category with a final yield of 106.21 bushels per acre. The Tom Green county average is approximately 25 bushels per acre. Wilde planted the OK Genetics variety Showdown. “We were lucky enough to get two inches of rain after planting, which helped the crop take off, and that was followed by warm weather, which really helped root development,” said.Wilde, “It is a great variety and doesn’t require much input. My advice is to keep your fields clean and prepped, don’t overplant and use necessary treatments.”
