Wheat Industry News
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.
Brian Sorenson will begin his new role as Executive Director of Minnesota Wheat on April 2.
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.
Gary Martin (left) is retiring as President and CEO of the North American Export Grain Association on March 31.
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.
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