Now in its second year, the Oregon Wheat Foundation Baking Contest celebrates the versatility and quality of Oregon wheat. In 2026, the baking contest was held in six counties: Gilliam, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa. We congratulate the winners and all the entrants for their participation.

2026 Baking Contest Winners

Umatilla County- Juniors

1^st – Kierra Bither

2^nd -Edith Mickelsen

3^rd – William Smith

Umatilla County- Adults

1^st -Becky Bither

2^nd – Eric Jepsen

3^{rd –}Ashley Reynolds

Morrow County Juniors

1^st – Haidyn Seittz

2^nd – Adalaide Jepsen

3^rd -Georgia Miles

Morrow County Adults

1^st – Alysia Kolles

2^nd – Lita Nelson

3^rd – Babette Wall

Sherman County Juniors

1^st -Bryndle Danielson

2^nd -Andalynn Rietmann

3^rd – JB Ball

Sherman County Adults

1^st – Debbie Brown

2^nd – Lynette Harris

3^rd – Kathleen Danielson

Gilliam  County Juniors

1^st -Carly Starr

2^nd -Andalynn Rietmann

Gilliam County Adults

1st -April Aamodt

2^nd – Juli Lantis

3^rd – Sara Whatley

Union County Juniors

1^st – Charlotte Crader

2^nd -Jasper McFarland

Union County Adults

1st -Juilie Crader

2^nd – Hailee Jameson

3^rd – Sherry Stirewalt

Wallowa County Juniors

1^st – Agness Wilburn Foster

2^nd – James Neely

3^rd – AJ Norman

Wallowa County Adults

1st -Rebecca Matthews

2^nd – Sally Goebal

3^rd – Beverly Hayward

Thank you to the Oregon Wheat Foundation Baking Contest coordinators, Bill and Nancy Jepsen! Next year the contest will expand for nine counties: Baker, Gilliam, Linn, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa and Wasco. Expect a bread (adult) and muffin or biscuit (youth) recipe for 2027.