First Idaho Barley Yield Contest Concludes with Exceptional Results

The Idaho Barley Commission (IBC), a U.S. Grains Council (USGC) member, recently held its inaugural Barley Yield Contest to showcase the productivity and innovation of Idaho’s barley growers, predominantly in the highly productive growing region of Southern Idaho.

While overall beer consumption in the United States has seen a slight decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, demand in other countries in Asia, Europe and Central/South America is on the rise. With the potential increase in demand for barley exports, the IBC’s Barley Yield Contest aims to continue to support U.S. barley’s marketability and competitiveness in coming years by providing research, data collection and promotion opportunities that showcase the qualities and use applications of U.S. barley.

Joey Wallace of Driscoll Bros. Farm in Jerome, Idaho, came first in the overall yield category by producing an impressive 241 bushels per acre (bu/ac). Trevor Mulberry from Idaho Agri-Investments secured the win in the category for highest yield above county average, outperforming the Twin Falls County mean by 72.4 percent. Dustin Miller (201 bu/ac) also demonstrated outstanding agronomic practices, utilizing precision seed placement and a balance fertility plan to achieve top results in the irrigated spring barley category.

“Winning barley yields come from a solid overall program—good seed, fertility and the right inputs—but it’s the details that make the biggest difference,” Wallace said. “Paying attention to timing, plant health and field conditions throughout the season is what really pushes yields to the top.”

The “Percent Over County Average” category ensures all growers regardless of region have a fair shot at winning. Modeled after the National Wheat Yield Contest, this approach compares each grower’s yield to their county’s historical average, leveling the playing field. Idaho’s diverse climate and soil conditions are examples that make this category essential, recognizing agronomic skill and adaptability.

“High yielding winter barley seed selection (UT10201), favorable weather conditions and strategic crop rotation – this field followed corn – were key factors in achieving a winning yield,” Mulberry said. “Our agronomic practices with precision in fertilization, growth regulators, herbicides and timely irrigation all played a significant role.”

As part of their recognition, contest winners won trips to attend Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado, in March.

“We encourage growers from all areas of the state and beyond, whether dryland or irrigated, to participate in this contest,” said Sydney Anderson, IBC communications and program manager. “This program will allow us to collect valuable data to enhance best practices, improve efficiency and drive innovation – while rewarding growers for their efforts to push the boundaries on yield.”

This pioneering initiative not only adds an exciting new dimension to the agriculture landscape but also reinforces Idaho’s leadership in the barley industry. The contest’s multiple divisions reflect the diverse agricultural practices across the state and nation, ensuring that farmers from different regions and climates have an equal opportunity to participate and excel.

Learn more about the IBC and enter next year’s yield contest here.