Low-Protein Wheat Causes Problems for Overseas Customers

Low-protein wheat has become an issue for overseas customers due to its tendency to clog up screens and cause problems in milling. According to Washington State University winter wheat breeder Arron Carter, soft white wheat with 'exceeding low' protein can be particularly problematic. This is because the excess starch can mill too fine and start clogging up screens, making it difficult for millers to process.

Carter noted that soft wheat already doesn't flow through mills as easily as hard wheat, so adding the issue of low protein makes it even more challenging. Wheat farmers in Yakima and Klickitat counties are protesting price dockage of up to 50 cents per bushel for soft white wheat testing below 9% protein.

The causes of low protein in wheat are often linked to environmental conditions, with 'the better growing conditions the lower the protein' being a general trend. WSU Extension agronomist Aaron Esser pointed out that high grain yield and low grain protein can indicate fertility issues, particularly related to nitrogen and sulfur. In some cases, over-fertilization or loss of nitrogen can also contribute to low protein.