Top 5 Wheat Producing States in U.S. 2025

May 27, 2025, 18:49 IST

Wheat is a key food in America, used daily in many products. The US is a major producer and exporter, with five main types of wheat grown across the country. North Dakota, Kansas, and Montana lead production, each contributing unique wheat varieties essential for both national use and global markets.

Top 5 Wheat Producing States in U.S. 2025
Top 5 Wheat Producing States in U.S. 2025

Wheat is a staple food in America, and Americans use wheat products every day—bread, pasta, cereals, and pastry are pantry staples. America not only supplies the domestic market but also exports wheat to the international market.

The five major classes of wheat (hard red winter, hard red spring, soft red winter, white, and durum) guarantee that it will suit different types of culinary and industrial applications.

Over the past decade, wheat farming in the United States has experienced both challenges and advancements. Variability in climate, changing weather, and altering global demand have affected the harvest. Yet agriculture technology, seeds that are resistant to drought, and sustainable agriculture have kept the production stable, even lifted it in some areas. As per the latest available data up to 2024 by Statista, the Northern Plains and the Great Plains continue to be the breadbasket of American wheat production.

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Top 5 Wheat Producing States in U.S.

Rank

State

Wheat Production (Million Bushels, 2024)

1

North Dakota

367.7

2

Kansas

282.4

3

Montana

176.4

4

Washington

136.8

5

Oklahoma

119.2

Source: Statista

State-by-State Overview of Wheat Production in USA

1. North Dakota

North Dakota Location Map | MapsofWorld

Source: World Map

North Dakota is the top producer of wheat in the country, with 367 million bushels in 2024 alone. The state's cool weather and rich soil are well-suited for farming hard red spring and durum wheat—the latter being highly valued for making pasta. Wheat from North Dakota is highly valued for its high protein content, which makes it critical for both domestic consumption and international export.

2. Kansas

Kansas | Flag, Facts, Maps, & Points of Interest | Britannica

Source: Britannica

Generally referred to as the "Wheat State," Kansas is equated with wheat production in the United States. In 2024, Kansas yielded more than 282 million bushels, mainly hard red winter wheat. The extensive plains and favorable climates provide Kansas with conditions to be considered a breadbasket, providing flour mills throughout the country.

3. Montana

Where is Montana Located? Location map of Montana

Source: World Map

Montana's harsh terrain is ideal for both hard red spring and durum wheat. With 176 million bushels harvested in 2024, Montana wheat is known for its quality, particularly in overseas markets. Farms producing wheat in the state are many times family-owned, with experience passed on from generation to generation.

4. Washington

Washington Location Map | MapsofWorld

Source: World Map

Washington State stands out in that it produces soft white wheat, a type well suited for pastries, cakes, and Asian noodles. Washington's wheat is in high demand in the Pacific Rim nations with almost 137 million bushels in 2024. Mild climate and the state's advanced irrigation systems enable it to produce high yields.

5. Oklahoma

Where is Oklahoma Located? Location map of Oklahoma

Source: World Map

Oklahoma completes the top five, producing more than 119 million bushels in 2024. The state mainly produces hard red winter wheat due to a lengthy growing season and moderate winters. Oklahoma's wheat is used for bread-making and is an important export commodity.

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The production of wheat in the United States is a testament to the agricultural diversity and innovation of the country. Ranging from the northern plains of North Dakota to the rolling hills of Kansas and the fertile valleys of the Pacific Northwest, each leading state contributes its own particular strengths to America's wheat production. With changing global demand and environmental pressures, these states adapt and evolve, keeping wheat an integral component of America's agricultural and economic foundation.

Kirti Sharma
Kirti Sharma

Content Writer

Kirti Sharma is a content writing professional with 3 years of experience in the EdTech Industry and Digital Content. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and worked with companies like ThoughtPartners Global, Infinite Group, and MIM-Essay. She writes for the General Knowledge and Current Affairs section of JagranJosh.com.

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