After a few challenging years defined by drought and high prices that stifled foreign demand, U.S. wheat exports saw a significant resurgence in 2025. To understand the factors driving this growth, the Oklahoma Farm Report’s Maci Carter sat down with Gary Millershaski, Vice Chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates and a Kansas wheat farmer.
According to Millershaski, the turnaround for the industry began with the weather.
“If you’re a wheat farmer, this is more of a nightmare than it is looking back,” Millershaski said of the recent drought years. “That made our supply get lower and the prices went up. Didn’t do any good if you didn’t have wheat to sell… well, that shut us out of export markets.”
However, favorable rains over the last two years have revitalized the crop, leading to above-average yields and more competitive pricing on the global stage. This shift has allowed U.S. wheat to reclaim its footing in key international markets.
Mexico Remains the Top Partner
Millershaski highlighted Mexico as the premier destination for U.S. hard red winter wheat, citing logistical efficiency as a major advantage. He recently visited Mexico City and Guadalajara to meet with major millers who value the consistency and quality of the U.S. crop.
“They put it on the train from Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, goes down across the border… they love U.S. wheat,” Millershaski said.
He explained that streamlined rail logistics—where loads are approved by Mexican counterparts before they even leave the U.S.—allow shipments to bypass border stops. “It just marches right on down,” he noted, adding that these strong personal connections give importers confidence in the U.S. supply chain.
Expanding Global Reach
Beyond Mexico, Millershaski noted promising growth in other regions. He pointed to Ecuador and Guatemala as key targets and highlighted substantial shipments to Nigeria and South Africa. Asian markets, including South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia, also continue to show increasing demand.
Despite stiff competition from Australia in noodle wheat and Canada in spring wheat, Millershaski believes U.S. exports are “speaking for themselves” right now.
The “Trifecta” of Research
A critical component of this success is the research and breeding programs at universities across the Great Plains. Millershaski praised the collaborative efforts of Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, and Colorado State University.
“I plant Oklahoma varieties, I plant Colorado varieties, I plant Kansas varieties,” he said. “We wouldn’t be where we’re at if it wasn’t for the research that’s going in making an unbelievable finished product to go export”.
He specifically commended OSU’s Brett Carver for his work on “Ox” varieties, noting that their stability is “priceless” for producers.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As producers look toward the 2026 crop, Millershaski is keeping a close eye on input costs. While current wheat prices are challenging for farmers—often falling below the cost of production—he sees a silver lining in falling fertilizer prices, which are essential for maintaining crop quality.
Ultimately, Millershaski emphasized the symbiotic relationship between producers and global buyers. With 50% of the region’s wheat needing to be exported, maintaining quality consistency is non-negotiable.
“I can handle your quality, just keep it consistent,” Millershaski said, echoing the sentiment of international millers.
In closing, the conversation turned to the friendly rivalry between the states. While Millershaski ended with a “Go Wildcats,” he expressed deep respect for the shared agricultural heritage of the region.
“I respect everybody in the Big 8,” he said. “I love anybody if you’re from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas… I love the old camaraderie”.
