ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S. — U.S. wheat farmers and commissions in Montana, Washington and Oregon will demonstrate the value and reliability of the U.S. soft white (SW), hard red spring (HRS)  and hard red winter (HRW) wheat crops to five South Korean flour milling executives July 12-19as part of a U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) trade team. Collectively, these team members control about 50% of Korean wheat imports. 

“Korean consumers want the best quality for their food as well as an increasing variety. As a result, flour specifications are becoming more complicated,” said Chang-Yoon Kang, USW country director based in Seoul, South Korea, who will travel with the millers. “It is very important that these millers see the current wheat crops they will buy and gain a better understanding of what the entire wheat chain, from the farm to the export elevator, does to ensure U.S. wheat quality.” 

This team will see several key components of the U.S. wheat supply system. Members will see firsthand HRS and HRW growing in northern Montana’s “Golden Triangle” and SW in eastern Washington’s Palouse region, then visit country elevators as well as shuttle train and barge loading facilities. In Portland, Oregon, U.S., they will experience the federal grain inspection process and other quality assurance services. 

USW collaborated with the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee, the Washington Grain Commission and the Oregon Wheat Commission to organize this year’s crop survey team.