On February 8, 2024, Ohio Corn & Wheat (OCW) hosted its annual Celebration of Corn & Wheat event, where it recognized 2023 Ohio corn and wheat yield contest winners, legislators who support Ohio growers and scholarship recipients who are training to serve in roles that serve farmers.
One highlight of the event was the acknowledgment of the 2023 Ohio corn and wheat yield contest winners. Additional to the contest winner and the runner-up, twenty-one growers also made the 300-bushel club, one of them being Lincoln Winner from Darke County. At just 17 years old, Lincoln is the youngest contestant to win in the contest’s history. His outstanding crop yielded an impressive 322.14 bushels per acre, earning him a well-deserved place in the 300 Bushel Club. Using Golden Harvest seeds, Lincoln showcased not only his agricultural prowess but also his commitment to innovation and excellence.
Reflecting on his success, Lincoln humbly expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the significance of hard work and the thrill of seeing it pay off. “This job takes a lot of hard work, and it’s awesome that my hard work paid off and resulted in being placed in the statewide contest. I’m proud of the accomplishment and am excited to continue to learn more and improve in the future,” Lincoln remarked.
Lincoln’s dedication to farming and his remarkable achievement didn’t go unnoticed. Tadd Nicholson, executive director of Ohio Corn & Wheat, lauded Lincoln’s achievement, recognizing his exceptional commitment to agriculture and the promising future that lies ahead. “We are honored to name Lincoln as one of this year’s yield contest winners. His commitment to agriculture is inspiring, especially at his age. He has a great future ahead of him,” Nicholson said.
Furthermore, Dena Wuebker, Versailles FF advisor, praised Lincoln’s dedication to his family farm and his strong passion for agriculture. “Lincoln dedicates a lot of time to his family farm and has a strong passion for agriculture. He is a great student, and we are all incredibly happy to see him get the recognition he deserves,” Wuebker remarked.
Lincoln’s achievement serves as a testament to the bright future of Ohio’s agricultural sector, propelled by the passion, dedication, and innovation of its young members. As the industry continues to evolve, individuals like Lincoln Winner will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.