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
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1. North Dakota
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
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
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
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
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.
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