Here’s a quick chart showing the location averages for spring wheat planted in Montana. This figure shows the 10-year average by production percentage. Valley County topped the charts with 11.5% of the production followed by Hill County at 9.8%. Highlighted regions show selection criteria for the 2024 crop quality sampling reporting areas.
Why So Far North?
Spring wheat is planted during April, May and June and harvested in August to September. Northern counties share harsh winters resulting in the necessity to plant in the spring conditions versus fall planting. Climate, soil types, and market avenues favor northern counties to plant spring wheat.
Proximity to Markets
Spring wheat protein and kernel hardness are the top purchasing factors for Pacific rim markets. Most of Montana’s spring wheat gets loaded on the BNSF Highline track, destined for Portland Oregon. Then the spring wheat is loaded on a vessel and sent to quality-conscious customers around the globe.
Bragging Rights
If you are a Valley County resident, whether you live in Glasgow, Nashua, Opheim, Hinsdale, Fort Peck or my personal favorite St. Marie, you live in the top spring wheat-producing county. Get out your pizza ovens and buy a bagel to celebrate.
Blue = 46.8% of crop
Yellow = 43.8%
Red = 7.4%Gray = 2%