News and Information from Around the World Wheat Industry

Speaking of Wheat

“USW received an invitation to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister al Sudani during his trip to Washington, DC. He was accompanied by the Director General of the Grain Board of Iraq, who we met with privately ahead of the meeting with the Prime Minister. This was an opportunity for us to remark to the Prime Minister about USW’s relationship with Iraqi Grain Board and the efforts that USW has extended in our work with Iraq’s flour milling industry going back more than 50 years.” – U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) President Vince Peterson. Read more here.

Ana Laura Salinas Marks 25 Years with USW

Ana Laura joined the USW Mexico City office in 1999 and serves as Regional Finance and Administration Manager. “Over the past 25 years, Ana Laura has played a pivotal role in the overall financial management of our office,” said USW Regional Vice President, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Mitch Skalicky. “She has been a key factor in assuring we are in full compliance with all regulations, policies, and procedures. Beyond that, she plans regional conferences, workshops, and seminars. We highly value Ana Laura’s contributions as a much-appreciated member of the USW/Mexico City team.” ¡Gracias por tu servicio Ana Laura!

Report Cites Indian, Russian, Turkish Trade Barriers

The United States Trade Representatives’ 2024 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers includes several concerns from U.S. wheat stakeholders. For example, the report notes that wheat and rice account for the largest share of products procured under the Indian government’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) program, which utilizes highly distorting market-price support. The report shares concerns about Russia’s provision of transportation subsidies for wheat and other products from the interior to export destinations. Concerns also continue about Türkiye’s subsidies, inward processing program for wheat, and its reimbursement of freight costs for certain exports.

The Craft of Wheat Quality

Kansas Wheat publishes an interesting podcast called “Wheat’s On Your Mind.” A recent episode featured a conversation with Kathy Brower, Laboratory Manager for Grain Craft’s Innovation and Quality Lab at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center in Manhattan, Kan. Noting that wheat is a food ingredient that requires quality control, she explains what makes wheat good or bad from a miller’s perspective. Listen to the podcast here.

International Food Aid Showcase

The United States provides critical foreign humanitarian assistance through international food aid programs administered by USDA and USAID, helping populations in need around the world while supporting U.S. suppliers. On Thursday, May 2, stakeholders from all segments of the U.S. food assistance value chain including USW and the National Association of Wheat Growers will participate in an International Food Aid Showcase at USDA including a panel discussion and interactive displays for networking and collaboration.

Resilience in the Face of Climate Variability

In recent decades, the U.S. wheat market has shown remarkable stability despite facing the growing challenges of climate change and extreme weather conditions. A recent study led by the University of Southampton delves deep into the wheat sector’s resilience and the broader theme of food security in developed countries. The research highlights the crucial role of market forces in maintaining price stability in the food market. Even under the pressures of varying climate conditions, this stability has persisted over the past half-century. Read more here.

Subscribe to USW Reports

USW publishes various reports and content available to subscribe to, including a bi-weekly newsletter highlighting recent Wheat Letter blog posts and wheat industry news, the weekly Price Report, and the weekly Harvest Report (available May to October). Subscribe here.

Follow USW Online

Visit our Facebook page for the latest updates, photos, and discussions of what is going on in the world of wheat. Also, find breaking news on Twitter, video stories on Vimeo and YouTube, and more on LinkedIn.

 

News and Information from Around the World Wheat Industry

Speaking of Wheat

“It’s not what we did yesterday, but it’s the knowledge we accumulate today to make us better understand how to deal with (the market) and make more sales tomorrow.” – Gary Millershaski, Kansas wheat farmer, on his interactions with millers and wheat buyers during the recent USW Sub-Saharan Africa Board Team trade mission to South Africa and Nigeria. Read more here.

Minnesota Wheat Hires Sorenson as New Executive Director

The Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council (MWRPC) and Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers (MAWG) have hired Brian Sorenson as executive director of Minnesota Wheat. Sorenson was raised on a wheat, barley and sugar beet farm near Fisher, Minn., and joins Minnesota Wheat after working as a program manager with Northern Crops Institute since 2018. “We’re thrilled to have Brian join our team,” MWRPC Chair Tim Dufault said. “His background and passion for agriculture make him a perfect fit for the goals of Minnesota Wheat and Minnesota wheat producers.” Sorenson, who earned a Master of Science degree in cereal chemistry from North Dakota State University, said he is looking forward to the role and the duties that come with it. “It’s very important that our producers have access to improved wheat varieties and cutting-edge farming practices for wheat to be a profitable crop in their rotation, but also to provide the quality and value expected by millers and bakers around the world,” said Sorenson, who begins his position on April 2. Read more here.

Martin to Retire From NAEGA on March 31

Gary Martin is retiring March 31 as President and CEO of the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA). Martin, who has been in the role since June 2000, has also served as the President of the International Grain Trade Coalition. His many industry leadership activities include service with the U.S. Food and Agriculture Dialog for Trade, the Canada-U.S. Grain and Seed Trade Task Group and the Board of Directors of Soy Export Sustainability LLC. Alejandra Castillo will succeed Martin as NAEGA President and CEO. Castillo brings 15 years of industry experience having worked previously as regional director for South Asia based in Singapore and India. Most recently she served as director of global programs in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and before that, worked in trade execution for Cargill.

Number of U.S. Wheat Farms Declined 40% in Last 20 years

Since 2002, the total number of wheat farms in the U.S. fell by more than 40%, according to a new USDA report. The number of wheat farms went from 169,528 in 2002 to 97,014 in 2022. Also, “wheat production is down slightly, but has been variable year to year,” USDA reported. “Annual wheat production ranged from about 1.6 billion bushels in marketing year 2002/2003 to as much as 2.5 billion bushels in 2008/2009. Notably wheat production has not topped 2.0 billion bushels from 2017/2018 to 2023/2024.” Much of the decline in U.S. wheat production has been the result of lower area harvested, which dropped from 56 million acres in marketing year 2008/2009 to a low of 35.5 million acres in 2022/2023, the report notes. Area harvested has remained below 40 million acres from marketing year 2017/2018 through 2023/2024. Read more here.

WSU Wheat Breeders Put Royalties to Work

Established more than a decade ago, Washington State University’s (USW) licensed wheat royalties are helping improve farm facilities, train the next generation of scientists and growers, and, for the first time this year, enhancing grower assessments to address wider research priorities, the Washington Grain Commission (WGC) reports. “Royalties have become a critical source of support for public wheat breeding programs,” Rich Koenig, chair of the recently established WSU Grain Royalty Advisory Committee, said. In May of 2012, the WGC supported a WSU-sponsored initiative to license its future wheat variety releases. Working with the commission, WSU established a royalty of 2 cents per pound of certified seed sold. That charge is in the low-to-middle range compared to similar wheat-releasing institutions. Read more here.

U.S. Miller Surveys Consumers on Purchase Trends

In a report titled, “Trend to Table,” Ardent Mills identified key trends in purchasing decisions through a survey of adult U.S. consumers. The U.S. flour miller surveyed more than 10,000 consumers over the age of 18 for their thoughts on food purchasing decisions. Trends include an increased focus on sustainability, traceability, and nutrition. The company has also noted a growing interest in plant-based and specialty grains, as well as a shift towards locally sourced ingredients. Read more here.

 

Subscribe to USW Reports

USW publishes various reports and content available to subscribe to, including a bi-weekly newsletter highlighting recent Wheat Letter blog posts and wheat industry news, the weekly Price Report, and the weekly Harvest Report (available May to October). Subscribe here.

Follow USW Online

Visit our Facebook page for the latest updates, photos, and discussions of what is going on in the world of wheat. Also, find breaking news on Twitter, video stories on Vimeo and YouTube, and more on LinkedIn.

 

News and Information from Around the World Wheat Industry

 

Speaking of Wheat

“Every one-degree increase in global mean temperature is predicted to result in a six to 10 per cent decrease in wheat yields.” – Australia’s Grains Research & Development Corp.

NAWG Names Thompson Congressional Wheat Leader

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) awarded Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson of Pennsylvania with its 2023 Wheat Leader of the Year Award for his work as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. “On behalf of NAWG, I thank Chairman Thompson for the work he has done on behalf of wheat growers nationwide,” said NAWG President and Oregon wheat farmer Brent Cheyne, “The 2023 Wheat Leader of the Year Award is the highest honor wheat growers can use to recognize legislators, and it finds the most deserving recipient in Chairman Thompson.” NAWG also presented 19 Members of Congress with its Wheat Advocate Awards for their exceptional support of the wheat industry during 2023.

 

APHIS Reduces Karnal Bunt Regulated Area

On Feb. 14, 2024, APHIS issued a Federal Order (DA-2024-05) reducing the Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica) regulated areas around eight fields in Maricopa and Pinal Counties to 0.2 miles. This action was based on a scientific analysis required under federal law and completed by APHIS, potentially allowing Desert Durum^® production in the newly unregulated area.

K-State Scientist Discusses Wheat Breeding Innovation

Gene editing, genetic modification, transgenic; ever wonder what those terms mean? Eduard Akhunov (photo above) with Kansas State University does, and he explains it all in the latest “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast from Kansas Wheat. Learn how powerful new tools like gene editing can transform the world of wheat breeding, and how science is leveraging ancient genetics to improve modern-day wheat.

Progress on Rapid Falling Number Test

Researchers are advancing on several fronts in their efforts to develop a new immunoassay rapid test for wheat falling number, a key quality factor, according to Washington State University and USDA Agricultural Research Service. Wheat with a low falling number has starch damage and must be sold at a discount because it reduces end-use quality. Beta testing of the new rapid tests is likely to begin in March. The new test should offer results in 5 to 15 minutes and is intended for grain elevators at first to test commercially grown wheat. The current falling number test protocol is prohibitive for point-of-sale use.

Climate-Resilient Crop Research in Australia

Australia’s Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) has partnered with the Australian National University (ANU) and industry partners to invest in research to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops. The three-year effort will focus on developing heat tolerant wheat genetics and determining what makes a wheat crop able to survive, grow and produce yields under high-temperature conditions. Read more here.

Wheat Food Donations Keep Growing

U.S. Wheat Associates tracks the volume of U.S. wheat donated by the government to food insecure countries, feeding programs, and to non-governmental organizations for monetization programs. To date in marketing year 2023/24, U.S. wheat donations stand at just under 406,000 metric tons (MT). In the five marketing years prior to 2023/24, U.S. wheat donations total more than 5.4 million metric tons.

 

News and information from around the wheat industry.

 

Speaking of Wheat

“Farmers have a unique perspective of longevity and sustainability because our livelihoods depend on it. And it breeds a level of commitment to these practices over the generations. Wheat is an integral part of our system and has been for generations, but it’s important to see it in a context of the whole system that is anchored in this crop that just naturally fits.” – Park River, North Dakota, farmer Aaron Kjelland, in Episode 1 of the new “Stories of Stewardship” video series.

Thank You and Best Wishes to Ann Murchison!

Our colleague Ann Murchison (shown in the photo at the top of this page) has retired from her position as Office Manager, West Coast Office in Portland, Ore., after almost 29 years with U.S. Wheat Associates (USW). Over those years, Ann has welcomed hundreds if not thousands of overseas customers and other office visitors, shipped tons of wheat samples around the world, and cheerfully taken care of the people and busy office in the Albers Mill Building on the Willamette River. We all wish Ann a long and healthy retirement and sincerely thank her for such dedicated service!

Congratulations to Cathy Marais

USW is happy to recognize the service of Cape Town Regional Finance and Administration Manager Cathy Marais who marks 30 years of service on Jan. 17, 2024. Dankie, Cathy, for your hard work and dedication from all your colleagues!

K-State Seeks Nominations for New Grain Science Department Leader

The College of Agriculture at Kansas State University (KSU) is now accepting nominations and applications for the Head of the Department of Grain Science and Industry. This is a critical position for the milling industry. Click here for more information. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Wheat Breeding Innovation News

Researchers at the United Kingdom’s John Innes Centre have announced use of gene-editing techniques to help identify a temperature tolerance factor that may protect wheat from the increasingly unpredictable challenges of climate change. A team headed by Prof. Graham Moore made the discovery during experiments looking at wheat fertility in plants exposed to either high or low temperatures. Read more about this wheat breeding innovation here. In other news, U.S. based company Cibus, Inc., said it has successfully regenerated wheat plants from single cells in a wheat cultivar, a breakthrough the agricultural technology company said may be used to develop traits like disease resistance and nitrogen use efficiency that support increased yields. Read more about this innovation here.

Durum Prices are More Competitive

“World Grain” recently reported that pasta manufacturers looking for 2024 semolina coverage will find durum values lower than a year ago and down sharply from mid-December 2021. And yet U.S. Northern Plains durum growers deciding when to sell stored supplied will encounter bids hovering about a $1 a bushel higher than the five-year average for the date. Four months before the typical seeding time for the U.S. northern durum crop, soil moisture conditions were in much better shape than a year earlier. Read more here.

El Niño Winter Outlook

“Farm Progress” publications in the United States recently looked at the potential impact of the El Niño weather patterns on global wheat production. A wetter summer and fall in 2023 helped reduce the amount of wheat produced in areas experiencing drought conditions. The article notes that early in 2024, top hard red winter wheat-growing regions in the Southern Plains enjoyed higher rainfall volumes than at the same point over the past two years. Ratings improved for winter wheat crops in top producer Kansas, as well as Texas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. But dry soil continues to plague the entire Heartland. Through early February, 32% of U.S. winter wheat acres were rated in drought condition (below). And perhaps more notably, 25% of spring wheat acres were located within a drought area at that time (see additional maps here). Read more here.

 

 

 

News and Information from Around the Wheat Industry

Speaking of Wheat

“It was really satisfying for me to meet customers halfway around the world that really appreciated the value of the wheat I grow. And I know it was satisfying for them to meet the farmer that truly cared about growing a valuable commodity and caring for the land my family has farmed for generations.” – Derek Sawyer, a wheat farmer from McPherson, Kansas, and Kansas Wheat Commissioner, who participated in U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Crop Quality Seminars in South America.

Snake River Dam Issue Gets Political Attention

Capital Press recently reported on Pacific Northwest legislators’ support for keeping locks and dams on the Lower Snake River in Washington State. These dams are essential components of the PNW wheat export system, making environmentally friendly and economical barging possible. The Idaho Wheat Commission offers a valuable resource for overseas customers interested in learning more about the entire Columbia Snake River System at its website here.

Turkey Red: The Wheat that Built Kansas

Kansas almost wasn’t “The Wheat State.” If not for … one very special wheat variety 150 years ago, Kansas could have a very different agricultural economy today. Turkey Red winter wheat introduced by a German Mennonite farmer to his adopted state … gave rise — quite literally — not only to the state’s future nickname, but also to a burgeoning milling and baking industry. Read more from Farm Progress and Kansas Wheat’s Aaron Harries here.

U.S. Winter Wheat Ratings Improve

The most recent USDA Crop Conditions Report pegged winter wheat conditions at 50% good to excellent, the highest such ratings at the same time in 3 years. Recent moisture has helped improve ratings. For example, a Nebraska Extension official noted that “wheat is in a good position to overwinter and move into next year.” Read more here.

Lower Prices … Higher Sales

For the week ending Nov. 23, 2023, net U.S. wheat commercial sales of 622,800 metric tons (MT) for 2023/2024 exceeded trade estimates, spurred in part by futures prices near contract lows. China, Mexico, the Philippines, Japan, and “unknown” destinations led the buyers last week. Read more here.