U.S. Wheat Farming Achieves Major Sustainability Milestones Over Four Decades
A comprehensive new study reveals that U.S. wheat farmers have made dramatic progress in reducing their environmental impact, achieving significant gains in sustainability through innovation, efficiency, and improved management practices.
The life cycle analysis (LCA), released in March 2025, was commissioned by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), the National Association of Wheat Growers, and the National Wheat Foundation. The findings are based on research conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the AgNext Institute at Colorado State University, offering the most detailed look to date at how U.S. wheat production has evolved over the past 40 years.
Using historical data from 1978 to 2018, researchers created 110 archetype farms across key wheat-producing regions in the United States. These representative models were analyzed using the Agricultural Policy Environmental Extender (APEX) model and openLCA software to evaluate the environmental footprint of wheat production over time.
Environmental Gains Across the Board
The analysis highlights major reductions in resource use and environmental impact, underscoring the success of long-term sustainability efforts within the wheat sector. Among the most notable achievements:
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Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dropped by 33%
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Energy use declined by 57%
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Water consumption fell by 46%
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Land use was reduced by 45%
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Soil erosion decreased by 60%
These improvements are the result of multiple factors, including the widespread adoption of precision agriculture, improved fuel efficiency, reduced or no-tillage practices, and the use of more productive crop varieties that generate higher yields per acre and per gallon of water.
“Wheat producers have quietly transformed the way we grow this essential crop,” said Dalton Henry, Vice President of Policy at U.S. Wheat Associates. “These findings set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility and allow us to communicate that progress clearly to partners around the world.”
Global Relevance and Strategic Impact
The sustainability improvements are particularly relevant to international customers, many of whom are placing increasing emphasis on traceability, carbon intensity, and environmental credentials when sourcing agricultural commodities.
Derek Sawyer, a Kansas wheat farmer who recently joined a U.S. wheat trade mission in South America, says these results are more than just statistics—they’re a competitive advantage.
“We’re producing food ingredients with integrity,” Sawyer said. “This study shows that U.S. wheat is grown using fewer resources, with less environmental impact. That matters to buyers overseas, especially in markets that are moving toward stricter environmental standards.”
Not a Comparison — A Baseline for the Future
While the results offer a comprehensive view of U.S. wheat production as a whole, stakeholders caution against drawing direct comparisons with other crops or countries, as farming practices, regulatory environments, and data quality can vary widely.
Instead, the purpose of the study is to establish a science-based baseline for future measurement and improvement. “This analysis is not about comparing ourselves to others,” Henry explained. “It’s about tracking our own progress and demonstrating our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and continual improvement.”
The sponsors of the study intend to share the data widely to support both public communication and internal benchmarking. They also hope it will encourage the development of future LCAs, particularly as farming faces new challenges related to climate variability, water scarcity, and supply chain emissions tracking.
A Foundation for What Comes Next
As the global food system evolves, the need for reliable, data-driven assessments of agricultural sustainability is becoming ever more urgent. This latest study positions the U.S. wheat industry as a leader in transparent reporting and responsible farming, showing that progress is not only possible—it’s already underway.
“Innovation, stewardship, and data-driven decision-making are shaping the future of wheat farming in the U.S.,” Henry concluded. “This report proves that, with the right tools and dedication, farmers can produce more while impacting the environment less. That’s a story worth sharing.”
Source: agriliferesearch.tamu.edu