11114 - Wheat Farming
If you’re involved in agriculture or considering entering the farming industry, understanding the classification of your business is crucial. NAICS code 11114 specifically covers Wheat Farming, an essential sector in the United States’ agricultural landscape. This code helps categorize businesses engaged in the cultivation and harvesting of wheat, a cereal grain fundamental to food products and animal feed. Whether you run a large commercial farm, specialize in organic wheat, or focus on seed production, familiarizing yourself with NAICS 11114 can streamline regulatory procedures, funding opportunities, and market analysis.
What is NAICS Code 11114 - Wheat Farming?
NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code 11114 defines the industry segment focused on growing and harvesting wheat crops. Wheat farming includes the planting, nurturing, and harvesting of wheat, which is used widely for flour in bakery goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, and livestock feed. This accurate classification aids government agencies, researchers, and business owners in analyzing and tracking industry trends.
Sector Overview: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
NAICS 11114 falls under the broader Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting sector, which encompasses various farming and resource management activities.
Typical Business Types in Wheat Farming
Businesses operating under NAICS 11114 typically include:
- Commercial Wheat Farms: Large-scale operations focusing on mass production of wheat for domestic consumption and export.
- Organic Wheat Producers: Farms committed to growing wheat without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, meeting organic certification standards.
- Wheat Seed Production Farms: Specialized farms dedicated to growing wheat for seed purposes, supplying other farms with certified seed stock.
These business types engage in activities such as plowing, planting, treating crops, harvesting, and preliminary processing like cleaning and drying wheat.
Size Standards for NAICS 11114 Eligibility
For government contracting and small business classification, the Small Business Administration (SBA) sets a size standard for wheat farming under NAICS 11114 as:
- Less than 1,000 employees OR
- Average annual receipts less than $1 million
Meeting these standards helps businesses qualify for small business programs, grants, and federal contracts tailored to agricultural producers.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 11114
To illustrate, the following examples demonstrate typical wheat farm businesses classified under this NAICS code:
- Greenville Organic Farms – An organic wheat producer supplying specialty flour to local bakeries.
- Sunrise Wheat Co. – A commercial wheat farm exporting high-quality hard red winter wheat.
- Prairie Seed Suppliers – A seed production farm specializing in certified wheat seed for Midwest farmers.
These businesses exemplify how wheat farming operations vary in scale and specialization but remain united by their core activity of cultivating wheat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About NAICS 11114 - Wheat Farming
What activities are included in NAICS 11114?
It includes all stages of wheat production from planting, growing, maintaining, to harvesting the wheat crop.
Can organic wheat farms be classified under NAICS 11114?
Yes, organic wheat farms fall under this NAICS code as they perform the same core activities with organic certification.
What are the benefits of knowing your NAICS code?
Knowing your NAICS code helps in federal contracting eligibility, obtaining grants, market research, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
What is the SBA size standard for wheat farming businesses?
The SBA defines a small business under NAICS 11114 as one with fewer than 1,000 employees or average annual receipts below $1 million.
Are wheat seed producers included in this classification?
Yes, farms that specialize in producing wheat seed are included in NAICS 11114 as part of wheat farming activities.
Final Thoughts
NAICS code 11114 – Wheat Farming plays a vital role in classifying and supporting one of the country’s cornerstone agricultural industries. Whether you operate a commercial wheat farm, grow organic wheat, or produce wheat seed, understanding this classification can provide valuable insights into industry standards, business opportunities, and compliance requirements. For farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs, leveraging NAICS 11114 helps position your operations for growth, government support, and market visibility.
Keywords: NAICS 11114, Wheat Farming, Wheat farms, Agriculture sector, Organic wheat producers, Wheat seed production, SBA size standards, Commercial wheat farms, Farming industry classification
