The South Dakota Wheat Growers Association (SDWGA) is now accepting entries for the 2026 South Dakota Wheat Yield Contest, offering wheat producers across the state an opportunity to showcase innovative management practices, compete for cash awards, and highlight the strength of South Dakota wheat production.
The contest is open to both winter wheat and spring wheat producers statewide, with winners recognized in seven districts. First-place winners in each district will receive $500 and a plaque, while second-place winners will receive $300 and a plaque. Winners will be announced during the 2026 Ag Horizons Conference on December 1.
Contest entry deadlines for 2026 are:
- Winter Wheat Entry Forms — June 1, 2026
- Spring Wheat Entry Forms — July 31, 2026
- Harvest Data Forms (both categories) — October 1, 2026
Complete contest rules, online entry forms, and printable PDF forms are available at:
sdwga.org/wheat-yield-contest
New updates to this year’s contest include separate entry deadlines for winter and spring wheat, along with a reduced minimum field size requirement of five contiguous acres, making participation more accessible for producers across South Dakota.
“South Dakota wheat farmers continue to find new ways to improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability while producing one of the highest-quality crops in the world,” said Jennifer Scharpe, Executive Director of the South Dakota Wheat Growers Association. “This contest is an opportunity to celebrate innovation on the farm and showcase the outstanding work being done in wheat fields across our state. We strongly encourage producers to enter and be part of this program.”
The contest is open to current SDWGA members, and multiple entries are allowed. Entry forms may be submitted online or by paper form. Membership dues may be included with entry.
SDWGA also appreciates the sponsors who make the contest possible through their continued support of South Dakota wheat growers and agricultural education efforts: CHS, Agtegra, Oahe Grain Corporation, Sioux Nation, and Dakota Mill & Grain.
“We are incredibly grateful for the sponsors and industry partners who continue to invest in South Dakota wheat production and support this contest year after year,” Scharpe said. “Their partnership helps us recognize producer excellence and continue building excitement around wheat production in our state.”
The Wheat Yield Contest is designed to encourage producers to strive for higher yield, quality, and profitability while sharing management strategies and innovations that can benefit the broader wheat industry.
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