NCI Hosts Contracting For Wheat Value Workshop

Earlier this week, NCI welcomed 6 participants from 3 different countries during the Contracting for Wheat Value workshop in conjunction with U.S. Wheat Associates. The countries represented included Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.

The group spent time in Portland, Oregon, from September 28-October 1, and then traveled to NCI in Fargo from October 2-6. The purpose of this workshop was to provide those in quality-control and upper management roles a firsthand, interactive perspective on how performance impacts the value of the wheat that they purchase.

Group photo at NCI in front of the flags during the Contracting for Wheat Value workshop! This year’s participants came representing Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Monday, October 3 kicked off the NCI portion of the workshop. Participants were welcomed by Mark Jirik and Brian Sorenson for an introduction to NCI. They then heard presentations from Mike Krueger (private consultant) and Erica Olson (ND Wheat Commission). The group traveled to the farm of Greg Svenningsen in Valley City, ND for a tour, followed by a visit to the Maple River Grain & Agronomy elevator.

Tuesday, October 4 brought the group back in for presentations. Dr. Shahidul Islam (NDSU assistant professor) spoke on the topic of understanding analytical laboratory tests on flour and dough quality as applied to various classes and qualities of U.S. wheat. Then Dr. Bill Wilson (NDSU distinguished professor) spoke regarding inland logistics like moving grain from country to export locations in the Lakes, Gulf, and PNW. Finally, DeLane Olsen (NDSU plant sciences department) led a discussion of functional tests and demonstrations.

Wednesday, October 5 concluded the presentation days at NCI for the workshop. First up was Mark Fowler (U.S. Wheat) on flour mill management to optimize profitability. Next, Roy Chung (U.S. Wheat - Singapore) talked on end-product evaluations and relationships to physical/chemical/functional laboratory tests. His next topic was on U.S. and competitor wheat class differences/similarities for break products, cake products, and short dough cookies. Joe Sowers (U.S. Wheat - Singapore) joined the earlier two speakers for a review of purchase quality specifications to round out the day.

The workshop included several breakout sessions to keep the conversations specific to the participants’ needs. Much positive feedback was received concluding this workshop, and NCI looks forward to hosting again!