NAICS 111199 Quarterly Industry Report
All Other Grain Farming
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 111199Sector: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (11)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This Fair Market Value industry profile for All Other Grain Farming (NAICS 111199) draws on data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service[4], the U.S. Census Bureau[5], the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6], and the SBA Office of Size Standards[7]. All statistics reflect the most recently published government data at the time of writing. This report serves as a starting reference for business appraisers, M&A advisors, and lenders evaluating alternative grain farming operations under NAICS 111199.
Industry Definition & Overview
All Other Grain Farming (NAICS 111199) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in growing grains and producing grain seeds other than wheat, corn, and rice, or growing a combination of grain and oilseed crops where no single commodity accounts for the majority of production value. The U.S. Census Bureau[3] classifies this industry as a catch-all within the oilseed and grain farming subsector, covering crops such as barley, oats, sorghum, rye, millet, wild rice, and various specialty grains [1]. Barley production concentrates in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and the Pacific Northwest, serving both malting and animal feed markets. Grain sorghum thrives in the Southern Plains of Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, where its drought tolerance makes it a preferred alternative to corn in semiarid conditions [2].
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service[4] tracks production statistics for each covered grain individually, though combined establishment counts under NAICS 111199 are modest relative to the major grain categories. Industry data identifies approximately 185 companies verified as active under this classification, though the true number of farms growing these crops is substantially higher because many are classified under their dominant crop code [3]. U.S. export value for crops in this category exceeded $958 million in recent trade data, with barley and grain sorghum commanding the largest shares [4]. Sorghum exports to China have fluctuated dramatically with trade policy shifts, introducing a layer of revenue volatility specific to this subsector. Wild rice operations in Minnesota and Wisconsin occupy a niche segment with premium pricing and limited acreage [5].
What's Included in This Industry
- Barley farming for malting and feed markets
- Grain sorghum (milo) production
- Oat farming operations
- Rye grain cultivation
- Millet farming for grain and birdseed markets
- Wild rice production in Minnesota and Wisconsin
- Triticale farming for livestock feed
- Buckwheat cultivation for specialty flour markets
- Grain seed production for barley, oats, and sorghum
- Mixed grain farming where no single crop dominates production value
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | 11 |
| Subsector | Crop Production | 111 |
| Industry Group | Oilseed and Grain Farming | 1111 |
| NAICS Industry | Other Grain Farming | 11119 |
| National Industry | All Other Grain Farming | 111199 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 111140 | Wheat Farming | Wheat farming shares dryland cultivation practices with barley and oat operations and competes for similar acreage in Northern Plains crop rotation systems |
| 111150 | Corn Farming | Corn farming competes directly with grain sorghum for planted acreage in the Southern Plains, where water availability determines crop selection |
| 111191 | Oilseed and Grain Combination Farming | Oilseed and grain combination farming overlaps with this classification when mixed-crop operations include barley, oats, or sorghum alongside oilseeds |
| 311211 | Flour Milling | Flour milling establishments purchase barley, rye, and specialty grain flours, serving as downstream processors for several crops in this category |
| 311213 | Malt Manufacturing | Malt manufacturing is the primary premium buyer for malting barley, with quality specifications that significantly influence barley farm revenue |
| 424510 | Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers | Grain and grain product merchant wholesalers handle the procurement, storage, and distribution of barley, oats, sorghum, and other grains at country elevators |
SBA Lending Summary
32
Total SBA Loans
$5.6M
Total Loan Volume
$175K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.44%
Average Interest Rate
136
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[2]
Key Insight: The SBA[8] assigns NAICS 111199 a revenue-based size standard of $2.25 million in average annual receipts. Most operations in this category are family-scale farms where alternative grains complement a broader rotation, and few approach the SBA ceiling on their own. Qualifying businesses access Farm Service Agency direct and guaranteed loans, USDA disaster assistance, and SBA 7(a) financing for equipment, storage, and operating capital [6]. Federal crop insurance coverage is available for barley, grain sorghum, oats, and other covered crops through the USDA Risk Management Agency[9], though program participation rates for some minor grains lag behind those for corn, soybeans, and wheat [7]. Price Loss Coverage and Agriculture Risk Coverage elections through the USDA Farm Service Agency provide additional revenue support for enrolled commodities. Additionally, 504/CDC loans[10] provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as real estate and equipment.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeast Bank | 8 | $2.8M | $350K |
| 2 | Celtic Bank Corporation | 16 | $2.4M | $150K |
| 3 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 8 | $400K | $50K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses fall under NAICS 111199?
NAICS 111199 covers establishments growing grains other than wheat, corn, and rice, including barley, oats, grain sorghum, rye, millet, wild rice, triticale, and buckwheat. It also includes farms growing grain and oilseed combinations where no single crop dominates production value [1].
What is the SBA size standard for All Other Grain Farming?
An operation classified under NAICS 111199 qualifies as small under SBA guidelines if its average annual receipts do not exceed $2.25 million, measured over the preceding five completed fiscal years. This revenue-based threshold applies regardless of the specific grain or combination of grains produced [6].
What are the primary crops in this classification?
Barley and grain sorghum represent the two largest crops by acreage and production value within this classification. Barley serves both malting and feed markets, with Idaho and Montana leading production. Grain sorghum concentrates in Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, where its drought tolerance makes it a preferred crop in areas with limited irrigation access per USDA NASS[4] crop production reports [2].
How does grain sorghum compete with corn?
Grain sorghum requires roughly one-third less water than corn, making it the crop of choice in semiarid Southern Plains regions where irrigation is limited or prohibitively expensive. Sorghum yields per acre are typically lower than irrigated corn but production costs are also substantially reduced. Chinese import demand has made sorghum export markets a significant revenue driver, though trade policy volatility has introduced pricing uncertainty that complicates forward contracting strategies documented in USDA ERS[11] trade data [4].
What role does malting barley play in farm revenue?
Malting barley commands substantial premiums over feed barley when it meets brewery quality specifications for protein content, kernel plumpness, and germination rates. Producers typically grow malting barley under contract with maltsters or grain companies that guarantee a price premium contingent on quality acceptance. Rejection to feed grade represents a considerable financial risk, as feed barley prices may be 30 to 40 percent lower than malting premiums. Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota lead malting barley production per USDA NASS[4] data [5].
How are alternative grain farms typically valued?
Valuation methods follow the same asset-based framework used for major grain crops, with per-acre land values anchoring the analysis. Appraisers adjust for soil suitability to specific alternative grains, water access for sorghum operations, and proximity to malting facilities for barley farms. Income capitalization approaches must account for the typically lower gross revenue per acre relative to corn or soybean operations, which can compress land values in regions where alternative grains are the primary viable crop [8].
What export markets matter for this industry?
Grain sorghum exports to China have represented the single largest international demand driver, though purchases have swung sharply with bilateral trade policy decisions. Barley exports flow primarily to Japan, Mexico, and other Western Hemisphere destinations. Oat exports are modest but growing as consumer demand for oat-based food products increases globally. Wild rice commands premium prices in specialty export channels targeting European and Asian food service markets, as tracked by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service[12] [4].
What trends are shaping the alternative grain farming industry?
Growing interest in regenerative agriculture is boosting demand for diverse crop rotations that include oats, barley, and other cover-crop-capable grains. Craft brewery expansion is driving premium malting barley demand and encouraging contract production relationships between farmers and regional malthouses. Climate adaptation in the Southern Plains is shifting acreage from corn to grain sorghum as water tables decline and irrigation costs rise. Specialty grain markets for ancient and heirloom varieties such as emmer, spelt, and einkorn are creating niche revenue opportunities tracked by the USDA Economic Research Service[11] [3].
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [4]USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service nass.usda.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]SBA Office of Size Standards sba.gov
- [8]SBA sba.gov
- [9]USDA Risk Management Agency rma.usda.gov
- [10]504/CDC loans sba.gov
- [11]USDA ERS ers.usda.gov
- [12]USDA Foreign Agricultural Service fas.usda.gov
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