Wheat Trade

North Dakota is producing a crop like none other. Sarah Gustin tells us how one country is tryin...  More »

North Dakota is producing a crop like none other. Sarah Gustin tells us how one country is trying to make sure they are getting exactly what they are paying for. Mexico isn't willing to settle for anything less than North Dakota's best. (Erica Peterson / Marketing Specialist) "So if they are paying these high prices they want to make sure they getting the exact quality they want from the region they want." Mexico is requesting direct rail shipments of North Dakota hard red spring wheat. Peterson says Mexican buyers like knowing where their wheat is coming from. She also says they feel North Dakota wheat is more consistent in quality. (Erica Peterson / Marketing Specialist) "It kinda varies from company to company. Some prefer western North Dakota just because it tends to be higher protein, drier wheat, but then there are some companies that prefer the eastern side of the state because they are looking for lower protein." North Dakota Wheat Commission members and elevator managers recently traveled to Mexico to meet with Mexican buyers and millers. (Jim Bobb / Southwest Grain) " Peterson says direct shipping rates are about the same as ocean freight costs. She says some direct shipping could start with the 2008 crop. Reporting for KX News, I am Sarah Gustin. Mexico became the eighth largest purchaser of U.S. Hard Red Spring Wheat in 2007, purchasing 8.5 million bushels.  « Less