Advantage of U.S. HRS and Durum in the World Market

Jim Peterson, Marketing Director of the ND Wheat Commission out of Mandan, will be speaking on the Advantage of U.S. HRS and Durum in the World Market. Jim has been with the Wheat Commission for over 20 years and he assists with three major program areas: export marketing, trade policy and issues, and research/customer service. His goal is to optimize export and domestic sales opportunities for North Dakota grown wheat, and ensure North Dakota wheat meets the agronomic needs of producers and the quality demands of customers.

Peterson's specific responsibilities include market outreach and customer service, market analysis, and monitoring of trade policy, research and transportation issues affecting North Dakota wheat producers. He also assists with writing for the "Dakota Gold" newsletter and developing other communication outreach for the Commission.

Peterson presents programs to wheat producers and customers in the U.S., and participates in international marketing programs for U.S. Wheat Associates, promoting the economic and quality advantages of U.S. hard red spring and durum wheat. He is currently serving as Chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates' Wheat Quality Committee and the Durum Industry Advisory Committee.

Peterson is a graduate of North Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics. He joined the Commission as a marketing specialist in 1991 and assumed the duties of marketing director in 1998.

Some of the main things Peterson will be covering in his presentation are: 1) Current market situations of Spring Wheat, looking at the market place to see why wheat is doing better this year in some areas and is slower than normal in other areas. 2) Taking a current look at where ND stands sales wise and what the anticipated sales will be like over the next 6 months. 3) Going over the short and long term challenges. 4) Giving producers tips on growing high quality varieties and taking advantage of certain marketing windows.

Peterson will also be discussing some of the big changes that took place in Canada giving Canadian producers marketing freedom. Will this have a long term impact on ND & Montana wheat prices? And why can't our wheat flow readily north as Canadian wheat can flow readily south?

Typical annual wheat production for the U.S. is 2 to 2.2 billion bushels per year. For the 2012 production year, total U.S. production of all wheat was 2.2 billion bushels. ND normally averages 280 to 300 million bushels per year, but in 2012, ND's production was 339 million bushels. Why the increase? Attend the presentation for answers to your questions and for the growing tips you may be looking for.