Yuma’s Wheat Harvest

Yuma, Arizona, is known as the country’s winter salad bowl, but once the season for leafy greens wraps up, farmers shift gears toward rotating crops, with durum wheat being a popular choice.

Currently, wheat harvesting is in full swing across the area, where much of this golden grain is destined for Italy to eventually become pasta.

Yuma’s distinctive climate and soil are incredibly beneficial for durum wheat cultivation. The intense summer heat here is just right for growing wheat. Plus, given the labor requirements and the crop’s water efficiency, it appears to be a solid option for local farmers.

The harvesting process for durum wheat is pretty streamlined. Farmers use a single machine that functions as a combination of harvesters. These heavy machines are capable of cutting, separating, and cleaning grain all at once. After harvesting, the wheat is sent to suppliers like Berkley Seed, which is based in Yuma.

Berkley Seed has played a significant role in Arizona’s wheat scene for decades. They develop high-quality seeds and ship the final products to Italy, with the wheat being transported by rail from Yuma to Texas before being loaded onto ships for Europe.

Michael Edgar from Berkley Seed noted that about 200 rail cars are necessary to load a ship bound for charter. The journey to Italy takes around 21 days. Berkley Seed has been supplying durum wheat for De Cecco, a leading Italian pasta brand for over 40 years.

“De Cecco calls it the best pasta in the world, made from the finest ingredients,” Edgar remarked.

In addition to supplying durum wheat, Berkley Seed also stores grain to ensure a consistent annual supply for its customers.

George Frisvold, an agricultural economist at the University of Arizona, pointed out that wheat continues to be vital in the state’s crop rotation strategy. “Wheat helps with soil salt and nutrient management. It just makes sense to include it in a rotation,” he explained.

Wheat production in Arizona has seen ups and downs, yet U.S. production has increased by 9% this year. Frisvold added that it performs well during drought conditions, especially in Yuma, where yields tend to be high.

That said, international tariffs and trade uncertainties could impact future demand. “The question is whether these European markets will continue to be accessible,” Frisvold said.

For now, demand remains strong, and Arizona farmers take pride in their role in global pasta production. “We create new varieties and grow them here in optimal conditions. It’s something to be proud of,” Edgar shared.

Edgar mentioned that most of Yuma’s wheat will be harvested by early July, at which point growers will begin preparing the fields for the next crop.