MARKET REPORT FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2024 83 Wheat is the main grain product used in human nutrition, providing about 20 percent of energy and protein needs. This valuable grain product is also an excellent source of energy for livestock. However, only a certain part of wheat production in the world is used in animal feed. Poor quality damaged wheat that is not suitable for human consumption, and wheat specially grown for feed and waste from wheat processed for food production are among the main raw materials of animal feed. According to estimates, nearly 20 percent of the world's total wheat production is used in animal feed. It is also stated that this rate reaches 40 percent in industrialized countries. In addition, the production amount of the main grains used for feed and the price situation in the market also affect the use of wheat for feed. LATEST EXPECTATIONS FOR WHEAT PRODUCTION In its latest report published on February 15, the International Grain Council (IGC) estimates that world wheat production, which was 780 million tons in the 2021/22 season, was 803 million tons in the 2022/23 season (with 27 million tons increase). In the 2023/24 season, which will close in June, production is forecast to decrease approximately by 5 million tons to 788 million tons. Likewise, the 8 February report of the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service Global Wheat Supply and Demand & 2024 Expectations According to some estimates, approximately 20% of the world's total wheat production is used in animal feed. However, this rate is directly linked to the production amount and prices of wheat. Unless there is a record increase in production and prices fall to levels that are affordable for feed producers, it seems difficult for wheat to become a sustainable and viable alternative for animal feed. By Derya Yildiz
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