Wheat is typically milled/ground into flour that is then used to make bread, pasta, crackers, and many other products. Wheat is one of the oldest and most important of the cereal crops. It is the second largest grain planted worldwide, based on acreage and production volume. China, India, and Russia are the countries who produce the most wheat. Combined those three nations produce 41% of the world’s total wheat. America and Canada round out the top five, Ukraine is No. 6. Ukraine is the fifth largest exporter of wheat in the world, but have halted exports of wheat to insure a domestic food supply for their own people. The United States produces 2.2 billion bushels of wheat per year and consumes a little over half that amount.

For agricultural soils in the midwestern U.S. to continue to be productive, conservation practices must be widely implemented, according to a new report from the Center for Rural Affairs.

Comments to: andybowman839@ gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn. com A man was put under for a medical procedure.

Right: Students at Gingerbread Preschool celebrated Circus Day last week. Pictured are: Kevin Cory, Ensley Gibbs, Nora Mitchell, Kaden Bowling, Spencer Debo, Callen Gravitt, Melissa Tollett, Kadence Dickieson, Haley Allen, Baeya Jackson, Carper Self, Leedey Duncan, Kaybreigh Billy, Kyston Cox, Korbin Chumley, Kendall Day, Katie Faust, Kennedi Casella, Jaxtyn Taylor, Hudson Houchen, Miyahni Starlin, Avery Anderson, Kutter Wincehster. Rodeo clown Kevin Cory read a story and took the boys and girls on a fun train ride. They all dressed up, had delicious snacks and a day of fun games.

The Iris Garden Club of Hugo met on March 28 for its regular monthly meeting at Burnside community room. President Harolynn Wofford called the meeting to order and asked Rick Lowrance to open with prayer.

THE CHILDREN, grandchildren and great-grandchildren announce the 66th wedding anniversary of Charles and Gracie Turner. The couple was married on April 12 in Hugo..

The Choctaw Nation Princess and Royalty Program is beginning plans for the 2022-23 princess pageants in each of its 12 districts. All contestants must be between the ages of 8-22 years old and compete in their respective division: Little Miss - 8-12 years old; Junior Miss - 13-17 years old; and Miss Choctaw Nation - 18-22 years old.

Happy Anniversary to Dale and Georgia Harrison (April 11)! The Lions Club is hosting a community Easter egg hunt Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. at Ansley Park with giveaways and prize eggs.