A County Londonderry farmer has won the Ulster Farmers’ Union winter wheat competition for the 2025-2026 season.

Mark McCollum, from the UFU North East Londonderry group, was named overall winner. The judges placed Raymond, David and William Wilson of the Ards group in second, and Jim Fulton of the North West Londonderry group in third.

Northern Ireland final judge Leigh McClean said the winning crop was just ahead on yield potential, describing a thick, uniform stand with large, well-filled heads. He noted the top three entries were closely matched and stood out from a strong field across the competition.

UFU deputy president Clement Lynch thanked sponsors Fane Valley and Bayer, the judges, and the group managers who coordinated the local rounds. He also acknowledged the members who entered this year’s competition.

The winter wheat prizes will be formally presented alongside the winter barley, oats and spring barley awards at the 2026 UFU and sponsors Cereals Competition Awards and lunch, scheduled for later this year.