Posted on March, 20, 2025 at 09:24 am
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), the National Wheat Foundation and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) announced the results of a comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) showing significant progress in the sustainability of U.S. wheat production. The study highlights substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, water usage, land use and soil erosion on a per-bushel basis over the past several decades.
NAWG commissioned the LCA in collaboration with USW and the foundation to assess the environmental impact of wheat production across the U.S. This study – conducted by expert researchers from Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Research and Colorado State University’s AgNext Institute – provides a detailed overview of environmental improvements in wheat farming practices from 1978 to 2018.
Key findings include:
Greenhouse gas emissions are down 33% due to more prescriptive use of fertilizers and precision input application.
Energy use is down 57% thanks to improved fuel efficiency and reduced tillage.
Water use is down 46% with higher yield per water unit and reduced irrigation.
Land use is down 45% through multiple production improvements and lower planted area.
Soil erosion is down 60% due to reduced tillage and other production improvements.
"Previous analyses have suggested reductions in wheat's environmental impact, but a detailed study was needed to fully provide a more comprehensive understanding of the per bushel trends," said Chandler Goule, chief executive officer of NAWG. "These findings will be crucial in educating the administration, lawmakers and key stakeholders on the environmental benefits of wheat and to help inform future policy initiatives.”
The study also provides additional details about what is behind the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in wheat production.
“Most of the reduction resulted from fewer nitrogen fertilizer emissions from fields and reduced emissions associated with diesel fuel,” USW vice president of policy Dalton Henry explained. “In addition, wheat is produced today with more precise and prescriptive fertilizer and crop protection application, with more than 70% produced in conservation tillage systems.”
“Wheat growers take great pride in being stewards of the environment,” NAWG president Pat Clements added. “This study helps the wheat industry set a baseline to track our ongoing progress across these key indicators and will empower growers to help tell the story about how sustainability in wheat production has improved over a 40-year timeframe.
For more information on the LCA visit www.wheatworld.org.
NAWG is the primary Washington, D.C., policy representative for wheat growers, working with a team of 20 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national level from its offices on Capitol Hill. NAWG also is the sole member and manager of the nonprofit National Wheat Foundation.
USW is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry, promoting the reliability, quality and value of all six U.S. wheat classes to wheat buyers, millers, bakers, food processors and government officials in more than 100 countries.
Source: Feed Stuff