Shore farmer takes top spot in Virginia for wheat growing contest

An Eastern Shore farmer is being recognized on the national stage for outstanding performance in this year’s National Wheat Yield Contest.

Lee Sturgis of Painter finished first, respectively, among Virginia entries in the highly competitive contest.

Sturgis recorded a yield of 128.28 bushels per acre in the Winter Wheat Dryland category. The winning field was located in Accomack County and planted with the Mid-Atlantic Seeds variety MAS #86.

Contest officials say the National Wheat Yield Contest is designed to improve the overall productivity, quality, and marketability of wheat nationwide. Organizers also note the competition helps develop and share best management practices aimed at achieving high yields, superior grain quality, and increased profitability for growers.