Exploring the Crops of the Northern Region-Wheat

As a continuation of the blog series, Exploring the Crops of the Northern Region, this week will dive into wheat production. Wheat is a central crop for the Northern region that provides human and animal nutrition, as well as fiber and by-products. Let’s take a closer look at how wheat is being grown and used in this region and beyond.

Although wheat is grown throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, two of these states outstrip the others. North Dakota and Montana respectively are ranked second and third in the nation for wheat production. This is determined by total bushels produced. Although this may sound simple, there isn’t just one kind of wheat. Technically, wheat is split into six classes: Hard Red Spring Wheat, Hard Red Winter Wheat, Soft Red Winter Wheat, Softer White Wheat, Hard White Wheat, and Durum. Each of these classes of wheat provides specific traits and tastes they are grown for.

Hard Red Winter Wheat is the most commonly grown class of wheat, and is used for bread and baked goods. Hard Red Spring Wheat is often ground into flour for breads, bagels, and pizza crusts. Most of this variety harvested in the US is grown in the northern region. Soft Red Winter Wheat though offers a lower protein, and is commonly used to make pastries, cakes, and cookies.

On the flip-side, white wheats provide different nutritional and utilitarian value. Most Soft White Wheat exported and used in flat-breads or noodles. Hard White Wheat though has a milder taste, and is used to make rolls, tortillas, and noodles.

Finally, the last class of wheat to discuss is durum. Durum is ground into semolina, which is then used to create pasta products. Durum offers firmer texture and a golden color expected in pasta.

All of these classes and different uses for wheat contributes heavily to how versatile it is. Each of the  different classes offer different benefits. From hardiness to handle the North Dakota Plains, or texture that makes them desirable for pastries, each has something to offer.

In short, wheat is an extremely important crop for the northern region and offers many benefits as a food and feed grain.

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