Over the past few years, global uncertainties and weather challenges have impacted the trade, price and supply of staple cereal crops. This has created mounting pressure for farmers across the United States. One example is the wheat market. Wheat has faced domestic challenges including drought and declining acreage, and international challenges such as the collapse of the Black Sea Initiative.

The previous uncertainty over exports from countries like Ukraine and Russia initially created a surge in U.S. wheat prices. However, that spike has since leveled out as overall wheat supply increased.

Despite fluctuating prices, wheat remains an important rotational crop for U.S. farmers, particularly in regions that benefit from winter wheat’s soil health benefits and resilience in harsh conditions. Many U.S. wheat farmers have found a solution to boost profits despite tighter margins.

Read on to learn more about the overall wheat market and the new approach U.S. farmers are taking.

Opportunity and Challenge for U.S. Wheat Farmers

U.S. farmers face both an opportunity and a challenge in maximizing their yields despite lower acreage, varied weather conditions and shrinking profit margins.

Wheat ranks third among U.S. field crops in total planted acreage and production, just behind corn and soybeans. Chronic drought has been a major ongoing issue over the past three years for winter wheat production in areas like Kansas, America’s top growing state.

In other states, such as North Dakota, an excess of wet weather conditions has wreaked havoc on spring wheat production. However, 2024 growing conditions show much more promise due to warmer weather and improved moisture.

While overall acres of planted wheat and production have declined steadily over the past few decades, global demand continues to maintain steady growth. This signals a need to keep yields of this staple crop high without compromising quality and efficiency. Wheat farmers across the country have found success doing this by adding one simple input to their planting.

U.S. Wheat Farmers Find 95% Success with Agricultural Biologicals

In addressing the challenge of increased production, more U.S. wheat farmers are exploring innovative solutions to enhance their crop performance. Many have found success using specific agricultural biologicals that are made in the USA and specifically designed to boost wheat productivity.

Locus Agriculture (Locus AG) has developed two products with proven performance in wheat: Rhizolizer^® Duo for Wheat & Cereals and Bombigro^®.

Rhizolizer Duo features vital microbes, including a beneficial Bacillus bacteria strain and Trichoderma fungal strain, that are precision-targeted to enhance wheat performance.

These strains are third-party tested and proven to:

• Expand early root development
• Enhance crop nutrient uptake and absorption
• Increase nutrients in wheat tissue
• Create a better wheat stand

Read more: how to create the best wheat stand before winter dormancy

Bombigro is a foliar-applied biological that improves photosynthesis and plant vigor in wheat, helping crops recover from stress and boost yields. Applied mid- to late-season, Bombigro delivers fast-acting support through fermentation-derived metabolites, keeping wheat plants strong and productive through critical growth stages.

Up to 7.2 more wheat bushels per acre

Locus AG’s biologicals are proven to increase wheat production with a 95% success rate. The results are consistent over four years across key wheat growing states.

On its own, Rhizolizer Duo for Wheat & Cereals consistently increases yield by an average of 3.2 bushels per acre (3.5%).

When combined in a treatment program with Bombigro, wheat farmers saw yield increases more than double, reaching an average of 7.2 bushels per acre (6.4%).

This boost in productivity translates to an additional $38.16 in revenue per acre (at anticipated $5.30 season average), giving wheat farmers an economic edge over shrinking profit margins.

Spotlight: US Wheat Farmer Scott Scheimer’s Success Story

One such farmer benefiting from the use of biologicals is Scott Scheimer, a seasoned wheat grower from Colorado.

“The soil [biologicals] are what turned me on to Locus AG,” says Scheimer. “We’re really shifting our input dollars, especially for phosphorus, and allocating it to the Locus AG products.”

Scheimer’s success serves as an inspiring example for other wheat growers seeking to enhance their yields and profitability. Read about his experience using Locus AG biologicals across multiple seasons:

• Part One
• Part Two

Recent events related to the global wheat supply present a unique opportunity for U.S. growers to meet the rising demand for domestic production and achieve profitable outcomes, with increased ROI from higher wheat prices.

By embracing specific vital strains of agricultural biologicals, farmers can bolster domestic wheat production, in addition to other cereal crops.

In doing so, they can make a significant impact on the global wheat market while enhancing their own financial security. U.S. farmers are being called to once again, help to shape food security for, not only their nation, but also for the world.

Optimize Your Wheat Harvest with Locus AG Biologicals

With declining wheat prices, U.S. farmers should squeeze every bushel they can out of their acres. Locus AG’s Rhizolizer Duo for Wheat & Cereals and Bombigro are proven to boost wheat yields and ensure better wheat stands. This yield increase has been consistent through four years and nearly two dozen trials in key wheat-growing states. The results are statistically significant, providing a 95% confidence level that the results will be experienced in farmer fields.

Learn More: Locus AG’s Biological Products – Rhizolizer Duo for Wheat & Cereals