Wheat production in the US achieves major sustainability advancements – Study finds

USA – Wheat production in the United States has continuously improved in sustainability, with greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water use, land use, and soil erosion recording a dramatic decline on a per-bushel basis.

This follows a groundbreaking Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) conducted by Texas A&M University AgriLife Research and Colorado State University’s AgNext Institute, revealing significant environmental progress in U.S. wheat farming over the past four decades.

The study, commissioned by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), and the National Wheat Foundation, highlights the industry’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

The LCA analyzed local production practices at 110 archetype farms across major U.S. wheat-growing regions from 1978 to 2018.

The results indicate that greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 33% due to more efficient fertilizer use and precision application, while energy use has dropped by 57% thanks to improved fuel efficiency and reduced tillage.

Water use has declined by 46%, as higher yields per water unit and reduced irrigation have contributed to conservation efforts. Land use has seen a 45% reduction through improved farming techniques and a lower planted area, and soil erosion has decreased by 60% due to conservation tillage and other production advancements.

Dalton Henry, Vice President of Policy at USW, emphasized the importance of the study in establishing a comprehensive baseline for wheat sustainability.

He pointed out that while other studies have shown improvements in wheat’s environmental footprint, they did not account for the full diversity of wheat production across the United States.

“Other studies have shown improvement in wheat’s environmental footprint but did not take the full diversity of a crop grown across the United States into account,” said Dalton.

According to Henry, this LCA sets a more accurate benchmark that can be shared with domestic and international customers.

Kansas wheat grower Derek Sawyer, who recently traveled to South America to promote U.S. wheat exports, highlighted the growing global interest in sustainability metrics.

Sawyer noted that many international customers seek specific data on how U.S. wheat is produced. The study’s findings, he said, will provide greater confidence in the sustainability of American wheat production.

Analyzing decades of wheat production

To conduct the analysis, researchers developed 110 archetype farms across wheat-producing counties and examined data on both historical and modern practices.

Using the Agricultural Policy Environmental Extender (APEX1) model and the “openLCA” life cycle assessment software, they assessed wheat’s environmental footprint across different production types, rotations, yield potentials, and wheat classes.

One of the most notable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions resulted from decreased nitrogen fertilizer emissions and lower diesel fuel use. Henry explained that more than 70% of U.S. wheat is now grown in conservation tillage systems, with precise and prescriptive applications of fertilizer and crop protection.

While the LCA provides a detailed look at sustainability improvements in U.S. wheat production, Henry cautioned that the results cannot be directly compared to wheat farming in other countries or against other crops. However, the study offers a transparent and comprehensive overview of how American wheat farmers are advancing sustainable practices.

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