HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A Reno County farmer is one of four farmers who was a winner in the 6th annual
Kansas Wheat, “Wheat Yield Contest.”
Darren Nelson is this year’s Central Region winner. After a drought-induced “massive crop failure” in 2014, Nelson’s last harvest went significantly better. He attributes most of this year’s success to the good nutrient profile left behind in the soil by last year’s crop. His plot was 8.756 acres planted with a T158/ Everest blend. Nelson’s prize-winning yield was 108.48 bushels an acre.
Nelson said, “I had read about the contest in the past, and as a farmer it’s just something that you just know about. But this year we were able to protect it from disease, so I had a feeling that it would be a good crop.”
Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat, said, “Hosting the Kansas Wheat Yield Contest is an exciting part of what we do here. We’re proud to recognize farmers across the state for their dedication to good management practices and celebrate their successes.”