If you drive anywhere in Eastern Washington, you are almost guaranteed to pass wheat fields. There are more than 3,700 wheat farmers on the east side of the Evergreen State, who, in 2020, represented an industry that reached nearly $800 million across the state.

Wheat is one of the world's most essential crops, providing 20% of all calories necessary to sustain the seven billion people across the globe. Of the six different types of wheat grown across Washington state, roughly 80% of that is soft white wheat. Once milled down into flour, soft white wheat is the main ingredient in favorite...