Final Wheat Harvest Wrap: Spring is Solid; Durum Slips; and Winter Classes Steady-to-Mixed

Expect firm demand for dependable HRS and SW, steady movement in HRW, more sorting on SRW, and selective bids on durum until full milling results are released.

winter wheat.jpg

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. Wheat Associates closed the 2025 harvest season with Hard Red Spring (HRS) finishing at a top grade and northern durum slipping a notch on higher damage late in the season.

Hard Red Winter (HRW) and Soft White (SW) maintained steady, consistent quality overall, while Soft Red Winter (SRW) ended on a mixed and more variable note than last year. A comprehensive crop quality report will be published later this month, including flour and milling results.

For buyers and growers, this means that HRS and SW appear reliable for core milling and export needs, while HRW remains steady across most specifications. SRW, however, will require more lot-by-lot selection, and durum values may depend on how specific shipments meet damage and color targets.

Elevators and marketers should expect premiums/discounts to reflect these differences and consider tighter segregation where variability shows up.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Expect firm demand for dependable HRS and SW, steady movement in HRW, more sorting on SRW, and selective bids on durum until full milling results are released.
Related Stories
Record ethanol production, coupled with stronger demand, supports corn use despite tighter margins elsewhere.
A new maritime biofuels coalition aims to position ocean shipping as a significant growth market for U.S. crops and waste-derived fuels.
Corn and wheat exports remain supportive, but weaker soybean demand — especially from China — continues to pressure oilseed markets.
Tim and Sharyn Abbott of the Music City Celebration Sale recap the weekend’s premier auction, which drew top dairy breeders and buyers to Nashville again this year from across North America.
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
Modest rate relief may come late in 2026, but borrowing costs are likely to stay elevated.
Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
Stronger U.S.-Guatemala trade rules favor dependable, regionally integrated supply chains — rewarding execution and commitment over cost-only sourcing.
China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.