NCI Hosts Contracting for Wheat Value Workshop | September 22 - 24, 2025
Participants in a wheat field
The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) hosted a Contracting for Wheat Value workshop from September 22–24, 2025. This course followed a week of tours and training led by the U.S. Wheat Associates in Portland, Oregon. The workshop brought together 5 participants from the Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand.
Tour of Maple River Grain & Agronomy
Day one began with a presentation and engaging discussion on the factors influencing the world wheat market by Allison Thompson, followed by Jim Peterson from the North Dakota Wheat Commission, who provided an overview of world and U.S. wheat supply and demand. After lunch, Dr. Shahidul Islam from NDSU led participants through analytical, rheological, and functional laboratory tests on flour and dough quality. Participants had the opportunity to tour Dr. Islam’s labs which included demonstrations and discussions on protein, moisture, ash, falling number, and other tests that determine U.S. wheat performance. The day wrapped up with a quick visit to one of NDSU’s wheat research plots.
On day two, the group visited the NDSU Greenhouse with Dr. Andrew Green, who gave them a tour and discussed his spring wheat breeding research. Participants then heard from Dr. Frayne Olson on inland logistics and grain movement from elevators to export locations. Participants left for an afternoon of industry tours, first stopping at Maple River Grain & Agronomy in Casselton, ND, then visiting a local farm near Mapleton, ND.
Discussion with Dr. Islam in his lab
The final day at NCI focused on end-use quality and milling. Adrian Redondo from U.S. Wheat Associates demonstrated how U.S. wheat performs in bread, cake, and biscuit applications compared to competitor wheats. After lunch, Shawn Thiele from Kansas State University’s IGP Institute presented on flour mill management to optimize profitability, covering wheat blending, tempering, cleaning, and KPI management. The course wrapped up with a discussion session led by Joe Bippert from U.S. Wheat Associates, giving participants the opportunity to reflect on the week’s topics and provide feedback.
The Contracting for Wheat Value workshop offered a comprehensive look at the U.S. wheat industry from research and production through milling and end-product evaluation. NCI thanks U.S. Wheat Associates, presenters, and participants for making this program a success.