What in the World … of Wheat

What in the World … of Wheat?

Wheat is a staple ingredient in industrialized nations and especially in developing countries.  Eighty percent of the world’s wheat is used for flour.  It is no surprise the thought of global supply shortage contributed to a spark in wheat prices which rose 40% between February-April 2022. 

In May, the US Department of Agriculture estimated global wheat production for the 2022-23 at 267 million tons, the lowest level in six years.  Relative to estimated global demand, wheat production for the next cycle is expected to be dangerously close to historic lows and further below this year’s reduced levels. 

Also in May, the USDA Statistics Service forecasted US hard red winter wheat production to be 590 million bushels.  Months earlier analysts anticipated 685 million bushels; both predictions are far from the 749 million bushels produced in 2021.  It could be the smallest hard red winter wheat crop in the US since 1963.

These statistics cause me to believe buying local and purchasing direct-from-producer are rapidly becoming more and more important, nearly to the point of imperative.   Just as each of us are aware, production costs of doing business, any type of business, have increased.  One way to fight inflation is to turn to the producer, helping eliminate expenses incurred when the product goes from the producer to another before reaching the consumer.  In addition, buying from our fellow Oklahoman’s keeps money circulating within the local economy and helps fuel new employment and job opportunities within our state. 

Wheat, the oldest of grains, a versatile kernel, a nutritious food source is what our family has produced in Oklahoma since 1893.  With the passing of time, trial-and-error experiences, moving from organic (the only way grains were raised back-in-the-day), to conventional and returned to organic, John’s Farm practices regenerative agriculture, producing certified organic, hard red winter wheat for our family and yours.