Frequently Asked Questions

There are six major classes of wheat grown in the United States, categorized by their planting season, seed coat color, and kernel hardness. In North Dakota, we are primary producers of Hard Red Spring (HRS) and Durum, though Hard Red Winter (HRW) and minor amounts of other classes are also grown. Learn more about ND Wheat Classes(https://www.ndwheat.com/wheat-facts)

The primary differences are planting timing and protein strength. HRS is planted in the spring and harvested in late summer. It boasts the highest protein and strongest gluten, making it the "Aristocrat" for bread baking.  HRW is planted in the fall, goes dormant over winter, and is harvested earlier in the summer. While still excellent for bread, it generally has slightly lower protein than HRS. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/38dfc2_6940d91f78fa46758969f7240a6d7d43~mv2.png

Durum and HRS are distinct species used for different culinary purposes. Durum is the hardest of all wheats and is ground into semolina for pasta and couscous.  HRS is a high-protein bread wheat used for yeast rolls, bagels, and pizza crusts.  While North Dakota leads the nation in both, they serve very different markets. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/38dfc2_9783b3c79f2f4a3987ef97ee3cd5c250~mv2.jpg

Gluten is a natural protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It acts as the "glue" that provides elasticity and structure to dough, allowing it to trap carbon dioxide during fermentation so bread can rise. The high-quality gluten in North Dakota wheat is what makes our flour world-famous for its baking performance.

Northern Durum (grown in ND and MT) is prized for its high protein, strong gluten, and bright yellow color, typically used in premium dry pasta.  Desert Durum® is grown under irrigation in the southwest US (AZ and CA). While both are high quality, Northern Durum is often preferred by international millers for its specific functional characteristics and traditional growing environment. Learn more about Durum Wheat(https://www.ndwheat.com/durum-wheat)

Wheat is a nutrient-dense grain that provides essential energy through complex carbohydrates. It is a significant source of fiber, B vitamins (like folate and niacin), and minerals such as iron and selenium. Consuming whole grains is also linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and improved digestive health.

The Commission is funded through a 2-cent producer-paid checkoff.  the checkoff is a small fee is collected on each bushel of wheat sold at the first point of sale in North Dakota. This ensures that the farmers who grow the crop are the ones who direct the efforts to promote and protect it.

Checkoff dollars are strategically reinvested into three main pillars: Research (improving varieties and yields), Market Development (securing international and domestic buyers), and Education (teaching consumers and policymakers about the value of wheat). These investments ensure the long-term profitability of North Dakota’s wheat farmers.

The North Dakota Wheat Commission (NDWC) is governed by a producer-led board and managed by a dedicated professional staff, ensuring that the industry’s goals are met with both agricultural expertise and administrative excellence. Board of Commissioners The NDWC is led by a 7-member Board of Commissioners, all of whom are active wheat producers. This board is responsible for: • Program Development: Designing priority programs for research, marketing, and education. • Strategic Oversight: Monitoring the implementation of all commission initiatives. • Financial Approval: Reviewing and approving all expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility. The board consists of six district commissioners elected by their peers and one commissioner-at-large appointed by the Governor. NDWC Staff To carry out the board’s strategic vision, the NDWC employs a five-member full-time staff. This team handles the day-to-day operations and technical execution of the Commission’s mission: • Executive Director: Provides leadership and connects the board's vision to actionable programs. • Director of Marketing & Research: Manages export market development and coordinates research investments. • Communications & Marketing Specialist: Leads outreach efforts to producers and international buyers. • Accounting Specialist: Oversees the collection of checkoff revenue and financial reporting. • Office Manager/Staff Support: Ensures smooth administrative operations and service to the state’s producers. Meet our Team(https://www.ndwheat.com/staff)