One of the most important agricultural crops in the world, wheat is grown primarily in the United States, Canada, Russia, India, France and China. All wheat falls under two categories: winter wheat, which is planted in the fall and harvested in the spring, or spring wheat, which is planted in the spring and harvested in the summer. Growing wheat can really be done anywhere, although the crop does best in dry, mild climates.

Organic wheat farming is also on the rise, as demand for organic wheat products continues to increase. Whether you are considering organic wheat farming or growing wheat the old-fashioned way, keep the following in mind:

1. Research wheat seed providers to grow the best wheat crop you can.

2. Check out farming equipment designed for wheat growers, including seed drills seeders and grain combines.

3. Consider organic wheat farming.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find high-quality wheat seed to create the best wheat crop possible

Get your wheat crop off on the right foot by purchasing wheat seed that will thrive under your climate and soil conditions.

I recommend: Howe Seeds offers spring and winter wheat seeds. Check out Dirt Works for organic wholesale wheat seed.

Explore seed drills for wheat growers

Seeding equipment can save an incredible amount of time during planting season. Best of all, most seed drills can be used for grain plants other than your wheat crop.

I recommend: John Deere’s MachineFinder is a great source for new and used grain seed drills. Farm World has an Equipment Finder Service to help you find seed drills and other useful farm equipment for your wheat business.

Consider a grain combine for your wheat business

A combine, or thresher, is an incredibly useful machine for your wheat farming business. Combines harvest, thresh and clean wheat, corn, rye and other grain crops. Again, this type of farm equipment can help you increase the amount of wheat you can harvest each season, thereby growing your business.

I recommend: Find new and used grain combines at TractorHouse.com. AgriSeek is another great source for new and used combines.

Consider organic wheat farming

Organic wheat farming involves using agricultural methods and materials that are not harmful to the environment. The demand for all kinds of organic products, including organic wheat is on the rise, and wheat farmers are responding.

I recommend: Organic fertilizer, animal manure and compost are just a few of the methods organic farmers use to boost crops and control weeds and pests. True Organic Products specializes in organic fertilizers for farmers and farmers only. Soda Springs Phosphate offers several organic fertilizers, including Ida-Gro Pelletized Poultry Compost.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget about the many lucrative byproducts of wheat production, such as wheat gluten and wheat germ.