Astana, 30 October. Kazakhstan harvested 24.3 million tonnes of grain in the 2026 campaign — one of the largest harvests in 15 years, exceeded only in the two previous record years, the Ministry of Agriculture said.
The harvest is 10% lower than last year’s. The ministry rates the quality highly: about 72% of soft wheat delivered to elevators meets the third class, and 48% of samples have a gluten content above 28%. In Akmola region third-class wheat accounts for 90% and the Hi-Pro category for 70%. Third class and high gluten are what millers and foreign buyers value: such wheat is used for bread rather than feed.
Exports are running ahead: from September to 19 October, according to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, 1.657 million tonnes of grain were shipped, 9% more than a year earlier. In the last two marketing years Kazakhstan exported 15.5 million and 16 million tonnes of grain and flour in grain equivalent — more than ever since independence. The day before, a government meeting heard of plans to raise deep grain processing capacity to 5.8 million tonnes a year by 2029.
What it means: The harvest is below the two record years but of high quality, and together with carry-over stocks it is enough for exports to keep growing.
Who benefits: Exporters and millers gain plenty of third-class grain. The railway gains more freight. Farmers who hoped for a third record in a row get a smaller volume; prices will depend on the world market and neighbours’ harvests.
Background: Soft wheat is graded by gluten and protein content; third class is food grain, fourth and below mostly feed. The grain marketing year starts on 1 September. Deep processing means making starch, gluten and bioethanol from grain, not just flour.
