Contract Specifications
Most of the wheat grown in North Dakota is exported out of state or out of the country. The North Dakota Wheat Commission provides production and quality information about North Dakota wheat and educational opportunities for buyers, but does not sell the physical product. Farmers in the state generally sell their crop to one of the more than 300 local elevators in the state, who then market the crop domestically or for export.
6 Classes of Wheat
The United States offers 6 distinct classes of wheat to customers worldwide:
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Hard Red Spring Wheat
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Hard Red Winter Wheat
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Hard White Wheat
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Soft Red Winter Wheat
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Soft White Wheat
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Durum
These classifications are based on kernel hardness, kernel color, and time of planting. Each class has it's own uniform characteristics related to milling, baking, and other food use.
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North Dakota leads the nation and primarily produces hard red spring wheat and durum. With small amounts of hard red winter wheat.
Contact Specification Options
Buyers of hard red spring wheat and durum have a wide range of quality options to choose from based on their contract specifications.
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To acquire the desired quality, it's important to understand the options available. Buyers should work closely with their grain trade representative for contract specifications. The North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) is a good source for contract specifications.