North Dakota Wheat
Wheat Facts
Wheat Facts
Agriculture is North Dakota's largest industry. About 90 percent of the state's land is used for crop farming and cattle ranching with about 24 million acres of cropland. On average, North Dakota producers plant about 6.6 million acres of wheat with production totaling 310 million bushels. Average wheat yields have been increasing over the years with the average state wheat yield now at 45 bushels per acre (3 tons per hectare).
There are about 25,000 farms in the state with the average farm size being 1,500 acres (610 hectares). Many farms are much larger and it is not uncommon for farms to be 5,000 acres (2,025 hectares) or larger.
North Dakota leads the nation in production of hard red spring wheat and durum, and it often leads the nation in all wheat production. North Dakota producers also grow small amounts of hard red winter wheat and hard white wheat.
Wheat Classes
Hard red spring wheat is the largest class of wheat grown in the state, accounting for about 85% of the state’s production. This class of wheat is sought after due to high protein levels and strong gluten properties. HRS is often used as a blending wheat and an assortment of wheat products, as well as specialty bread products, bagels, pizza crust, hamburger buns and refrigerated and frozen dough.
Durum is used in making the world's best pasta as this class of wheat is known for its high protein, high vitreous kernel content and yellow semolina. This class of wheat accounts for approximately 16% of the state’s wheat production.
Hard red winter wheat accounts for a small percentage of North Dakota wheat production - about 2%. Winter wheat has the potential for higher yields, however the possibility for winter kill makes it a more uncertain crop in this region of the country.
Hard white wheat is planted on a very small acreage base in the state and is often contracted for domestic milling use. North Dakota focuses on growing high-yielding hard white spring wheat varieties with good milling and baking characteristics suitable to North Dakota's growing climate.
How is Wheat Grown in North Dakota?
The landscape in North Dakota varies, from the flat, fertile fields of the Red River Valley in the east to the rugged hills of the Badlands in the west. Growing conditions, soil type and seasonal weather varies as well.
The climate and rich soil of the Northern Plains are perfectly suited for the production of spring wheat and durum. These classes of wheat are planted in April and May with harvest generally taking place from late July through September. The time lapse between sowing spring wheat and plant head development is usually 65 to 80 days. It takes another 20 to 30 days for the kernels to ripen for harvest. The entire growing season is fairly short and only one crop is produced per year.
Almost all hard red spring and durum wheat grown in the Northern Plains is produced under dryland conditions. Stored soil moisture and timely rains are important to the survival and quality of the crop.
North Dakota producers focus on growing uniform, quality wheat for customers. This starts with planting quality varieties and diligent agronomic management. However, wheat is a basic raw material that can exhibit changes in character depending on weather conditions. Wheat quality is related to the fact that the wheat kernel is a living, viable organism. When nature cooperates, hard red spring and durum wheat have the quality sought after by the milling, baking and pasta industries, worldwide.
Why Buy Wheat from North Dakota?
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ND wheat is at the top of the world quality spectrum for protein and functional traits.
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ND Producers are committed to producing CONSISTENT quality wheat and the sustainable management of resources.
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ND has a world class grain marketing and handling system to ensure quality, low handling costs and timely delivery.
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ND wheat is available year round PROVIDING A RELIABLE, STABLE SOURCE of supply.
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ND wheat makes premium wheat and pasta products.