The warm, earthy aroma of toasted wheat and yeast wafted through the air as Oklahoma’s top bakers competed with their prize-winning recipes to be named the “Best of Wheat.”

The 2024 bread baking contest, hosted by the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, was held at the Oklahoma State Fair on Sunday, Sept. 22.

When the judges announced the prize-winning recipe, Don Robison of Kingfisher topped the senior division in the whole wheat bread category with his recipe, “Don’s Buttermilk Whole Wheat Bread.”

Each category winner then competed for the grand champion prize.

Kendallyn Gossen of Corn was named grand champion in the junior division with her other wheat bread category winner.

Judges said her perfected braided, fine textured “Challah Bread” was baked flawlessly.

Sheila Blankenship, Hooker, topped the senior division as grand champion with her other wheat breads category winner.

Judges commented that her “Sourdough Bread” was made into an impeccable artisan loaf that was suitable for any picture-perfect display.

The consistent texture of the loaf had an exquisite flavor, according to judges.

The contest is an annual event sponsored by the Oklahoma Wheat Commission and Oklahoma State Fair.

“We had 94 entries from 45 counties this year, all champion or reserve champion winners in the county contests,” said Don Scheiber, Oklahoma Wheat Commission chairman. “We had record breaking attendance and always enjoy the opportunity to award the top bread bakers in the state.”

The contest consists of 12 classes – six in the senior division and six in the junior division.

State champions in the junior division included Clara Cartlidge, Ponca City, Kay County, white bread; Addyson Oathout, Red Rock, Noble County, dinner rolls; Kendallyn Gossen, Corn, Washita County, other wheat breads; Tayler Spray, Woodward, Woodward County, sweet breads; Korben Gossen, Corn, Washita County, specialty shape breads; and Kortney Campbell, Jet, Alfalfa County, bread machine.

Senior division state champions included Dianne Hogue, Seminole, Seminole County, white bread; Don Robison, Kingfi sher, Kingfisher County, whole wheat breads; June Shepherd, Blackwell, Kay County, dinner rolls; Sheila Blankenship, Hooker, Texas County, other wheat breads; Nancy Barth, Buffalo, Harper County, sweet breads; and Valerie Jones, Edmond, Oklahoma County, bread machine.

A cookbook with the top five recipes from every class from the Best of Wheat competition will be available online in January 2025 at www.okwheat.org. OWC District 4 director, Chattanooga.