Your Guide to the Texas Wheat Industry

Key takeaways: 

• In a sector like wheat production that’s vital to the U.S. agricultural economy, Texas stands out as a consistent, top-10 producer of the grain. 
• Hard red winter wheat accounts for the vast majority of Texas wheat acres, but growing other classes is still possible in the Lone Star State. 
• Texas Farm Credit offers financial tools that can help wheat producers start, grow, and protect their operation, from equipment loans to crop insurance.

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The U.S. is in the top five wheat-producing countries in the world — and Texas is a vital part of that puzzle.

Texas regularly ranks within the top 10 wheat-producing states in the U.S., behind states like Kansas (the official Wheat State), North Dakota, and Montana. On average, the Lone Star State plants more than 5 million acres of wheat each year, yielding around 65 million bushels annually.

Here’s a look into the critical industry and what wheat producers in the state need to know to grow and protect their operation.

Which Texas regions are best for wheat production?

Most wheat cultivation in the Lone Star State happens in the High Plains/Panhandle region. The top-producing counties for wheat often include Deaf Smith, Knox, Ochiltree, Haskell, and Hansford.

While the climate in the High Plains/Panhandle is more conducive to the crop, some areas of East Texas and the Blackland area also plant wheat acres.

Common wheat varieties grown in Texas 

When it comes to wheat production, Texas acres are overwhelmingly planted with hard red winter wheat. About 85% of all wheat acres across the state grow this variety. Hard red winter (HRW) is known for being the most highly produced type of wheat in the U.S. and contains medium to high protein/gluten content (10 to 13%). It’s typically used to grow hard rolls and pan breads, but can also be blended with other wheat varieties to form other products. 

Approximately 10% of Texas wheat acres are planted with soft red winter wheat, which contains less protein/gluten. This variety is normally used in baked goods like cookies or cakes. But pet food and animal feed can also contain SRW. 

The remaining land devoted to wheat in Texas grows a few other less common classes, like hard red spring or white wheat. 

How to choose the best wheat variety for your acres 

Just because HRW is the most common wheat grown in Texas — and throughout the U.S. — doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice for your acres. It could be, but it’s important to consider a few important factors before picking which seeds to plant. 

• Yield potential: What goals do you have for your operation? How many bushels would you need to cultivate and sell to turn a profit, given your tract size, current wheat prices, and transportation costs? Check in with varieties’ historic yield numbers for your region to get an idea of what to expect. 
• Purpose: Do you plan to sell wheat for flour production? Do you want to graze cattle on it? Both? Some producers might choose dual-purpose wheat, which can be grazed for half the year, then grown and harvested the other half. Touch base with your local agronomist to determine which variety could help you do what you want your acres to do. 
• Pest and disease risks: It’s critical to check historical trends for your region when it comes to common wheat diseases or pests that could destroy your crop. Choosing a variety with resistance to those specific threats could help you protect your yields — and bottom line.
• Standability: When wheat lodges, it could lead to lower test weights (and profits). You’ll likely want to pick a variety that can avoid that situation. 

Before planting your acres, be sure to check in with a trusted agronomist who knows your region. They’ll be the best source of information for which varieties give you the best chance of success.

How is the climate impacting Texas wheat? 

Wheat is a crop that’s very sensitive to extreme weather such as heat waves or drought. When excessive temperatures hit, wheat maturation can happen too quickly. This squeezes the growth window and often leads to lower yields. Even just a 1 C temperature increase can have detrimental effects on final yields, according to research. 

Drought is, of course, also a big concern, especially in Texas. Studies show that more than 92% of wheat-growing regions are exposed to at least one drought/heatwave event each season. When wheat can’t access enough water, germination lags, and fewer kernels grow. Plus, producers are forced to run more irrigation, which can significantly increase operating and labor costs. 

Do you need crop insurance for wheat production in Texas? 

Short answer: yes. Growing any crop is a risky business. You’ll want to be sure to protect your investment by purchasing a crop insurance plan. Even if drought comes to your county, temperatures rise, or you experience another natural disaster like hail or flooding, crop insurance can ensure you still pay the bills at the end of the season. 

Texas Farm Credit offers a range of crop insurance plans to help you protect yourself.

What about wheat storage? 

Wheat producers don’t just need to think about planting or harvesting: storage is also a vital component of any wheat operation. Some farmers will choose to build their own grain bins or silos on their acres. (Land improvement capital loans could help finance these if needed.)

Many producers opt for commercial storage options. Keep in mind these come with fees to use. However, they can be a convenient option, especially since many grain elevators are close to transportation hubs so you can quickly get your product out to purchasers. 

Get help from the experts 

Looking to start up wheat cultivation in Texas? Or hoping to add more acres or equipment to your operation? Texas Farm Credit has the financial tools to make those goals a reality, including equipment and land loans, crop insurance, and more. Contact our team with questions, or apply today.