As a technical product manager for WestBred® wheat, Grant Mehring has a bird's-eye view of wheat's role both on the farm and off. He says the importance of wheat can be seen worldwide as well as close to home. His northern plains region of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota is one of the leading producers of hard red spring wheat, which is a wheat that's known to have high protein levels, and strong baking and milling properties - exactly what you'd need for the perfect loaf of bread.
Grant says that the importance of wheat comes from helping to feed the world. “All of our cultures have different ways that we consume the products that wheat make,” said Grant. “Wheat is a critically important crop on the world’s stage. [It] is one of those staple foods that we rely on around the world.”
From continuing a legacy to supporting agronomic efforts to feeding the world, wheat’s role extends far beyond that of a simple commodity. The importance of wheat is entrenched within the industry and around the world, and is ingrained in our farmers.
Why do you grow wheat? Is it for profitability, agronomic benefits, because of family tradition, or another reason entirely? Share it with us on Facebook or Twitter or send it to the.tiller@westbred.com.