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2003 HRS Crop: Large Supply, “Superb” Quality The 2003 hard red spring wheat crop in the Northern Plains of the U.S. exhibits superb quality factors and is about 45% larger than last year’s drought-impacted crop. Despite a 12% reduction in planted area, a near ideal growing season in most of the region kept harvested area larger than in 2002 and yields nearly 50% better. The regional crop’s average grade is No.1 Dark Northern Spring with 83% grading No.1 and only 9% lower than a No.2. The high grade profile is due to high average test weights, very low damaged kernel levels and high vitreous kernel content. The 2003 average test weight, at 61.3 pounds per bushel, is considerably higher than the five-year average and the best in several years. Average wheat protein content of 14.1% is lower than 2002, but still near the five-year average. A rapid, dry harvest allowed for an average falling number value of 404 seconds, reflecting an extremely sound crop. As in 2002, the varieties planted and a drier summer virtually eliminated crop diseases. The milling and baking performance of the crop shows average flour extraction with above-average dough strength, absorption and loaf volume. In dough and bake tests, the crop boasts the highest absorption in more than five years. Although average dough strength is slightly weaker than 2002, the crop is still strong with a 7.0 farinogram classification (on a scale of 1 to 8). Loaf volume is slightly lower than last year, but higher than average. The bake tests indicate improved color, grain and texture. Buyers will be pleased with the overall performance of the 2003 hard red spring wheat crop. As with most years, there are quality differences between growing locations. This year, continued drought conditions in the very western portion of the region produced notable differences in test weight, kernel size distribution, wheat protein content and flour extraction, as compared to the east. Buyers are always encouraged to use contract specifications that best meet their quality and value needs. ’03 Durum Crop Excellent Grade, Soundness The 2003 durum harvest in North Dakota and Montana produced a crop of excellent grade and soundness that results in good quality pasta with superior color. Abundant early season moisture, an arid growing season and a rapid, dry harvest aided this year’s higher yielding, high quality crop. Production is 18% larger than in 2002. The crop on average is No.1 Hard Amber Durum (HAD) with nearly 60% grading No.1 HAD and only 6% falling below a No.3 grade. Key grade factors are the best in more than five years. The average test weight is 61 pounds per bushel, up more than a pound from 2002. Damage is minimal. The crop is bright in color and has a high vitreous kernel count, averaging 92%. Non-grade factors also improved. Protein content averages 14.5% (on a 12% moisture basis) and moisture averages only 10.5%. The average falling number is 391 seconds, indicating a sound, sprout-free crop. Semolina strength is equal to last year and the five-year average. Pasta quality is similar to last year with a significant enhancement in color, rated an average 9.4 on a scale of 1 to 12, compared to 8.7 last year. Average cooking loss and cooked firmness are similar to last year. Cooked weight is down slightly from 2002. Buyers should be pleased with the 2003 crop and its overall grade and processing quality. There are some notable differences in kernel size and weight between some growing regions, but in most areas the physical characteristics are excellent. Appropriate contract specifications are the best method for buyers to ensure they get the quality of durum they need at the best value. The annual Durum Crop Quality Report is based on analysis of samples by the North Dakota State University Cereal Science Department. The report summarizes the kernel, semolina and pasta-making properties of U.S. durum wheat produced in North Dakota and Montana, which collectively grow about 80% of the U.S. durum crop. More Crop Quality Details Online North Dakota State University conducted the hard red spring wheat and durum crop quality analysis. Funding and support for the U.S. hard red spring wheat and durum regional quality surveys is provided by U.S. Wheat Associates and state wheat commissions in the spring wheat growing region. Download the complete reports (PDF format) from the North Dakota Wheat Commission’s web site: www.ndwheat.com USW Issues 2003 U.S. Crop Quality Report U.S. Wheat Associates’ annual report offers extensive information available on the quality characteristics of this year’s American wheat crop for current and future U.S. wheat customers. USW is holding seminars around the world this fall, presenting the latest crop quality information and working with customers to explain and evaluate the value of U.S. wheat. The report is available from the U.S. Wheat Associates website, www.uswheat.org.
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