Kazakhstan: Wheat Quality Below Expectations, but Yields Remain High

The Grain Union of Kazakhstan has released a weekly review of the agricultural market, highlighting that wheat quality is lower than anticipated. However, favorable weather conditions are supporting a strong harvest of oilseed crops, and grain yields exceed average multi-year levels. This year’s harvest is lagging 7-10 days behind schedule due to weather conditions.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, as of September 4, 6.5 million tons of grain have been harvested from 4.6 million hectares, representing 28.5% of the total sown area for grain and pulses crops. Weather conditions last week allowed harvesting to resume across all regions, including winter crops in the south. Oilseed crop collection reached 131,000 tons, with rapeseed, flax, and sunflower crops in good to excellent condition, promising a high yield.

Wheat quality is below expectations, with an unusually high proportion of 4th and 5th class wheat for the start of the main harvest. The Gluten Deformation Index (GDI) ranges from 90-105 units, and protein and gluten content have dropped to 11-12% and 14-17%, respectively, due to insufficient warm days, fog, and precipitation during grain filling. Some wheat batches show high gluten content (24% and above), but their share is lower than expected. Despite quality issues, wheat and barley yields are above average multi-year levels.

Harvesting is delayed by 7-10 days due to adverse weather, with the main harvest effectively starting last week. The Grain Union notes that high-quality wheat will be in demand in domestic and international markets, with a price gap of 8-10 thousand tenge per ton between 3rd and 4th class wheat, depending on gluten content and GDI.

High-quality wheat is expected to remain sought after, while lower-quality grain prices will be significantly lower. The strong condition of oilseed crops suggests a high yield potential, which may offset wheat quality challenges.

Tags: Kazakhstan, wheat, grain quality