WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. flour milling eased in 2025 and stayed softer into early 2026, showing weaker overall wheat grind even as some specialty categories held firmer.
USDA said all wheat ground for flour totaled 907 million bushels in 2025, down 1 percent from 2024. Total flour production fell 2 percent to 419 million hundredweight, while whole wheat flour dropped 5 percent to 17.3 million hundredweight.
The first quarter of 2026 also ran below year-earlier levels. All wheat grind was 222 million bushels, down 2 percent from both the previous quarter and the first quarter of 2025, while flour production slipped to 103 million hundredweight.
Durum milling was steadier. Annual durum grind rose 1 percent to 66.1 million bushels, while first-quarter 2026 grind increased from the prior quarter, even though it remained 3 percent below a year earlier. Rye showed a smaller but improving quarterly pace.
The combined report points to a milling sector that is stable but not expanding. Core wheat flour output remains below year-ago levels, while durum and rye are offering only limited support.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Flour milling demand stayed generally steady, but total wheat grind remained slightly softer year over year.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Winter weather will challenge livestock producers working to rebuild their herds despite harsh conditions.
November 12, 2025 01:20 PM
·
Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.
November 12, 2025 12:39 PM
·
Friday’s release will be the first WASDE report in about two months, and early estimates indicate a corn surplus is still on the way.
November 12, 2025 12:16 PM
·
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
November 11, 2025 03:50 PM
·
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
November 11, 2025 01:26 PM
·
Export strength is concentrated in corn and wheat, while soybeans and sorghum lag, keeping basis and logistics dynamics highly commodity-specific into late fall.
November 11, 2025 11:21 AM
·
