Wheat has long been considered a secondary crop compared to corn and soybeans, but progressive farmers are proving that with the right management, it can be just as profitable. Brad Kamprath from Ida, Michigan, and Rick Clifton from Circleville, Ohio—both members of the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN)—are leading the charge, demonstrating that 100-plus-bushel wheat is not just possible but economically viable.
Precision Management: The Key to High Yields
Kamprath emphasizes treating wheat like a high-input crop: “The idea is not to let wheat have a bad day—spoon-feed it just like corn.” This means:
- Optimal Planting Timing – Early planting (within the ideal window) maximizes tillering potential.
- Nitrogen Timing & Splitting – Applying nitrogen in multiple passes (fall, early spring, and late spring) improves uptake efficiency.
- Frequent Scouting – Monitoring fields closely helps detect diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies early.
Clifton, who double-crops soybeans after wheat, notes that intensive wheat management doesn’t just boost yields—it enhances overall farm sustainability by improving soil health and breaking pest cycles.
Record-Breaking Yields & Economic Viability
According to Dennis Pennington, Michigan State University wheat specialist, Michigan’s 2024 state wheat yield average hit a record 87 bushels per acre (bpa), with YEN participants reaching up to 172 bpa. However, yield alone isn’t enough—cost efficiency matters.
Pennington explains:
“High yields alone are not enough. Inputs need to pay for themselves. YEN participants who spend more per acre often see a lower cost per bushel. The key is investing in the right inputs.”
Data from the USDA (2023) supports this, showing that wheat farmers using precision nitrogen management reduce input waste by 15-20% while increasing yields by 10-25%.
Is 100-Bushel Wheat Worth the Effort?
For farmers willing to adopt high-management practices, wheat can be a high-reward crop. The success of Kamprath, Clifton, and other YEN participants proves that:
- Yield potential is higher than traditionally assumed with proper care.
- Strategic input investments lower cost per bushel, improving ROI.
- Wheat enhances crop rotation benefits, reducing pest pressure and improving soil health.
As wheat genetics and agronomic practices continue to advance, breaking the 100-bushel barrier may soon become the new standard for progressive growers.
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