Benefits of Wheat By Morgan Cutsforth

Wheat is one of the oldest farmed crops in history and still plays a crucial role in the world and
agriculture industry today. There are many factors that play into why wheat is so beneficial to the world, from people’s diet, to creating jobs, to economic benefits and more. I have grown up on and around wheat farms my entire life and I have noticed how hardworking and dedicated all wheat farmers are to their crops. Farmers will do anything to support the food industry, no matter how small or big. Growing up on a farm has taught me the many different benefits of wheat, making it a vital role in our economy.

Wheat grain is one of the five main food groups on the food pyramid because of how healthy and
valuable it is to peoples diet. According to Carter, wheat is rich in magnesium content, which is essential for eternal enzymes and helps regulate blood sugar. Without magnesium, people are at a higher risk of developing health problems. For instance you are at a higher risk of getting diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and osteoporosis. Wheat is also an exceptional source of fiber. Having fiber in people’s diet is necessary because it especially helps with normalizing bowel movement, but also provides other health benefits such as maintaining a healthy weight, lowering risk of diabetes, heart disease, colon cancer and other types of cancer. Wheat is also an important source of energy and contains other nutrients such as vitamins, lipids and minerals that play a key role in people’s diet.(Shewry) Wheat is also known as producing the most protein as a plant. Wheat is not only high in protein and a superior energy source that is beneficial for humans but is also beneficial for livestock. Wheat’s benefit to the diets of humans, livestock, and its economic importance is undebatable.

The versatility of wheat is what makes it so beneficial for our economy. Wheat is a key component of the world’s food supply, ensures food security, and creates jobs for 131,387 people in the
US. According to Rao, her research states, “With a massive production volume of 750 million tons per year, wheat is now a staple food for around 35% of the world’s population. Of this production volume, close to 70% is used for human consumption, with 20% reserved for animal feed, and the rest used for other purposes such as biofuel production.” This research supports how truly versatile wheat is and the importance of wheat farms. Wheat makes up a vital percentage of food security because it feeds billions of people around the world. Wheat is very important for the economy as it is mainly grinded into flour and is also a major ingredient for other kinds of food. The economic benefits of wheat start with benefiting small local communities like mine and have a rippling effect throughout the world, providing jobs on the farm as well other jobs through bigger corporations such as Morrow County Grain Growers and more.

Farmers don’t only grow wheat, they are huge supporters of their community. Farmers in my
community give back by donating to the school, athletics programs, other extracurriculars, as well as support 4H member by purchasing animals at the local fair. Wheat farmers play an important role in many people’s lives whether they know it or not. Not only does wheat play a vital role in people’s diet and the economy, it has played a huge role in my life as well. Because of wheat’s ability to be used in a variety of different ways it is an absolutely essential industry to the world today.

Our 2024 Oregon Wheat Scholarship awardees each submit an essay with their scholarship application. Learn more about the scholarship program at https://oregonwheatfoundation.org/scholarship-program/

2024 Scholarship Essay: Morgan Cutsforth