PNW crop quality

By Mike Moran

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is renowned for its high quality soft white wheat (SWW), a crucial component of the region’s agricultural exports. With Washington exporting approximately 80% of its SWW crop annually to countries in Asia and beyond, maintaining consistent quality is paramount. The Wheat Marketing Center (WMC) in Portland, Ore., plays a vital role in assessing and promoting the PNW wheat crop.

SWW is prized for its low protein content and mild flavor, making it ideal for pastries, cakes, cookies, and flatbreads. Its weak gluten and light color are key attributes that set it apart in the global market. These unique characteristics directly impact its marketability, influencing both pricing and consumer satisfaction.

WMC employs a rigorous crop quality assessment process that begins in July with the collection of wheat samples from across the PNW. This comprehensive sampling ensures a representative overview of the crop from various growing regions. Upon arrival at the WMC, samples undergo extensive physical testing to evaluate crucial characteristics such as kernel size, test weight, moisture content, protein levels, and hardness.

The evaluation process continues with comprehensive analyses of both the wheat and the resulting flour. These tests examine protein content, starch characteristics, and other indicators of baking performance. The milling process itself is carefully monitored, with particular attention paid to flour extraction rates, ash content, and particle size distribution.

Perhaps the most critical phase of the evaluation is the baking and end-use testing. Using standardized formulas and procedures, the WMC simulates real-world applications for the wheat, producing an array of products including cookies, cakes, and steam breads. This hands-on approach allows for the assessment of crucial characteristics such as dough handling, water absorption, color, texture, and overall product quality.

The 2024 crop year has proven successful for PNW SWW and club wheat growers. Favorable conditions throughout the growing season have contributed to a crop that exceeds both last year’s production and the five-year average. Key highlights include:

• Total estimated production of 6.71 million metric tons (mmt), surpassing last year’s 5.32 mmt and the five-year average of 6.11 mmt.
• Overall crop grades No. 1.
• Protein contents lower than both last year and the five-year average for SWW and club varieties.
• Average test weights aligning with the five-year average.
• Thousand kernel weights exceeding the five-year average.

The crop benefited from good soil moisture and strong germination across most of the region, with some drier areas to the north. An extended period of cooler temperatures and timely rains supported healthy crop development, while higher temperatures in July accelerated maturity and harvest. Low disease and pest pressure in most areas further contributed to the crop’s success. Farinograph, Alveograph, and Solvent Retention

Capacity (SRC) values indicate very weak to medium gluten strength, ideal for typical soft wheat flour products and blends with hard wheat. End-product tests have shown promising results, including good sponge cake volume and texture and good-to-excellent performance in steamed breads and cookies. Overall baking quality is consistent with typical soft wheat performance.

These results underscore the versatility and reliability of the 2024 PNW soft white wheat crop, reaffirming its position as a preferred choice for domestic and international buyers alike. The comprehensive quality evaluation conducted by the WMC provides invaluable data for all stakeholders in the wheat industry. From farmers to millers, traders to international buyers, this information guides critical decisions on pricing, marketing, and purchasing.

As the PNW continues to cement its reputation as a reliable supplier of premium soft white wheat, the work of the WMC remains an indispensable part of the region’s agricultural success story.