Wheat, an ancient and influential plant, has been a culinary and economic staple for over 12,000 years, originating near the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

This enduring crop has not only shaped our food culture but also left an indelible mark on the global economy.

Wheat’s global prevalence is a testament to its adaptability, thriving in diverse environments from basins to plateaus, and from inland areas to seaside regions. Its cultivation spans a vast geographic range, primarily between 67 degrees north latitude and 45 degrees south latitude. About 90% of the world’s wheat is grown in the northern hemisphere, particularly across the Eurasian continent and North America.

Among wheat varieties, winter wheat is predominant, covering approximately 75% of the global wheat area, while spring wheat accounts for the remaining 25%. Notably, spring wheat is concentrated in countries like the United States and Canada, which together represent about 90% of the world’s spring wheat production.

Asia leads in wheat production, accounting for 45% of the global wheat area, followed by Europe with 25%, North America with 15%, and Africa, Oceania, and South America each contributing approximately 5%.

According to the USDA crop ratings report from May 7, 2023, the U.S. winter wheat quality remained steady at an excellence rate of 29% compared to the previous year. Conditions varied across major producing states, with some showing improvement, while others, particularly Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, faced challenges due to ongoing drought.

Early-stage crop conditions hold limited relevance to final yields, as spring rains will be crucial in determining overall productivity.

Examining consumption rates, the USDA’s Economic Research Service reported a 2 million bushel increase in Durum wheat consumption, bringing it to 85 million bushels. Historical price spreads between hard red winter wheat and soft red winter wheat have led processors to adjust processing ratios, favoring the more affordable soft red winter wheat. As a result, food use of soft red winter wheat has risen by 5 million bushels to 163 million bushels, while food use of hard red winter wheat has been revised down by 7 million bushels to 373 million bushels.

In the ever-evolving landscape of global agriculture, the cultivation, consumption, and economic impact of wheat underscore its lasting significance.

As we navigate the complexities of crop conditions and consumption patterns, the humble wheat plant continues to wield a profound influence over our meals and economies, linking the ancient past with the present and shaping the future.

An agricultural cornerstone, wheat weaves a narrative spanning 12,000 years, originating in the fertile valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates. Beyond shaping culinary traditions, its influence extends across the global economic stage.

Thriving in diverse landscapes—from plateaus to shorelines—wheat’s resilient growth stretches from 67 degrees north to 45 degrees south latitude, with the majority cultivated in the northern hemisphere. Predominantly winter wheat, which makes up 75% of the global wheat area, holds sway, while spring wheat finds its stronghold in the U.S. and Canada. Amid fluctuating conditions in major producing states, the USDA report underscores the delicate balance between excellence rates and climatic challenges.

Beyond cultivation, consumption trends highlight a nuanced interplay between wheat varieties, with Durum wheat seeing increased utilization. As the world navigates shifting dynamics in wheat production and usage, this ancient crop continues to be a powerful force at the intersection of food, economics, and agriculture.