North Dakota Wheat Commission Director of Marketing and Research Erica Olson says the yield estimate made during the Spring Wheat and Durum Tour may grab the headlines, but the event’s biggest value is connecting customers directly with the crop. “We see the tour valuable because it brings in many in the wheat industry,” Olson said, adding participants visit farms, elevators and the North Dakota Mill to better understand how spring wheat is produced. Olson said even people who work with flour every day have “never been in a wheat field,” making that firsthand experience invaluable. This year’s tour also included four international customers evaluating the crop before making purchasing decisions this fall. Minnesota Wheat Executive Director Brian Sorenson said the region’s hard red spring wheat is known worldwide for its baking quality, making the annual tour an important opportunity to showcase the crop to global buyers.
