The first detailed report on the quality of the 2025 U.S. wheat crop has been released by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), focusing on soft red winter wheat. Despite environmental challenges throughout the growing season, the crop exhibits good milling characteristics and strong market value.
"Buyers should be satisfied with the excellent quality and competitive price of the 2025 U.S. SRW wheat crop," said Erica Oakley, USW vice president of programs. "Processors will find a versatile crop suitable with good qualities for cookies and crackers."
SRW is the third largest class of wheat grown in the United States, produced predominantly east of the Mississippi River. The production region experienced a mostly dry winter followed by plentiful mid-season rainfall.
For the 2025/26 marketing year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated SRW wheat production at 339 million bushels (9.2 million metric tons), slightly below last year's 342 million bushels.
The average grade for the 2025 SRW harvest survey is U.S. No. 2 SRW. Test weights in the Gulf region remained relatively unchanged, while East Coast samples showed a decline due to increased rainfall during harvest.
Gulf region wheat had lower protein content this year, while East Coast wheat showed higher protein content. Falling numbers in both regions were lower than average.
USW recommends buyers review quality specifications due to pockets of higher enzymatic activity and vomitoxin in certain areas.
With analysis complete, USW will now take the data to customers around the world during annual crop quality seminars customized for regional markets.
