U.S. farmers produced 804 million bushels in 2025, up 4% from 2024.
The 2025 U.S. Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat crop reflects the strength and adaptability of America’s wheat producers.
Despite early-season dryness and intermittent heat stress in several production areas, timely rains and favorable mid-season conditions supported recovery and development.
While yields vary across regions, the crop demonstrates balance, delivering strong protein, sound kernels, and dependable milling and baking characteristics.
Consistent Quality and Strong Functionality
Grading and test weight results confirm a clean crop, complemented by a wide range of protein levels slightly above the five-year average. High falling numbers, solid dough stability, and reliable extensibility ensure consistent flour performance and dependable baking outcomes.
Across both Gulf and Pacific Northwest export channels, millers can anticipate uniform quality and efficient flour extraction, while bakers will appreciate steady absorption rates and predictable fermentation tolerance.
The 2025 HRW crop continues to uphold the trusted reputation of U.S. wheat, supplying global markets with versatile, functional grain suited for pan breads, rolls, flatbreads, noodles, and other premium baked goods. With ample supply, balanced protein, and proven functionality, this year’s crop reinforces the enduring value and reliability of U.S. HRW wheat for customers worldwide.
HRW Exports Overview
Gulf Region
Planting across the Southern Plains began under challenging conditions, with Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and parts of Kansas facing limited soil moisture and uneven emergence.
Early drought led to variable stands and some abandonment of acres. Colorado benefited from good snow cover that preserved soil moisture and supported early spring growth. Moisture deficits persisted into early spring before widespread rains in April improved conditions. Timely precipitation during jointing, flowering, and grain fill boosted yield potential in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Localized flooding lodged some fields. Nebraska’s Panhandle remained dry, resulting in additional abandonment.
Despite variable weather, the HRW crop showed resilience. Late-spring rains improved conditions in entire growing region and eased drought stress in parts of eastern Nebraska. Harvest delays from storms and humidity raised concerns about test weights and falling numbers; however, the impact was minimal.
With the late moisture, most disease and pest pressure were avoided, with stripe rust, leaf rust, wheat streak mosaic, and a late surge of stem sawfly remaining localized and mild crop stresses. Harvest ran later than average due to frequent rain events. Texas reported wide-ranging yields (20-80 bpa) and protein levels from 10-13%.
Oklahoma’s production was steady due to some flooding losses but showed solid yields in central and northern areas. Kansas delivered a strong crop – over 340 million bushels – with slightly lower protein than recent drought years. Colorado achieved strong test weights and average yields, while Nebraska’s results were variable, from 25-100 bpa, depending on moisture and stand establishment. Protein levels across Nebraska generally ranged from 12-14%.
Pacific Northwest
The 2025 HRW crop in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) began under mixed conditions. Idaho benefited from good fall moisture and strong snow cover, supporting solid stand establishment, while Wyoming and parts of South Dakota faced early drought and entered dormancy with some concerns. Washington, Oregon, and Montana crops entered dormancy with a mix of good conditions to adverse weather events.
In the spring, cool conditions persisted and slowed development. Late spring rains improved prospects in South Dakota and Wyoming, though cool temperatures delayed growth. Idaho and Montana sustained winter wheat with adequate moisture, but inconsistent late-season rains introduced stress. Washington and Oregon advanced steadily, but early-summer heat and dryness accelerated maturity and limited yield potential on dryland acres.
By late spring, rainfall eased stress across the Central and Northern Plains, supporting crop development in South Dakota and Wyoming. In the PNW, unseasonably warm temperatures in June and July hastened maturity, creating variability in fields. Disease pressure was limited: stripe rust appeared in test plots in Oregon and Idaho, while concerns about scab and wheat streak mosaic virus were minor. Environmental factors such as heat, drought, and wind had the largest impact on crop yields.
Harvest reflected regional variation. Wyoming averaged 30 bpa with strong proteins (12-13%), exceeding early expectations. South Dakota yields ranged 45-55 bpa with slightly lower test weights. Montana delivered consistent yields and mid-12% proteins despite the variable conditions. Idaho achieved record irrigated yields. Washington and Oregon harvests were near average.
Editor’s note: Thanks to Royce Schaneman, executive director, Plains Grains Inc. (PGI), for assistance with this article. PGI is a private, non-profit wheat marketing organization dedicated to providing the link between producers of HRW wheat, grain companies, and foreign and domestic flour millers to benefit all segments of the wheat industry. Go to plainsgrains.org for more information.