Even so, in contrast to only ten years ago, the firms operating in Kansas City today are largely the same as those trading soft red winter wheat at the Chicago Board of Trade and spring wheat at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange.

ECONOMIST: Grains of truth

The mix of wheat and rye are responsible for its famed soft, smooth flavor, not the harsher taste many associate with bourbon.

FORBES: This Kentucky Derby Weekend Grab a Bottle of Maker's 46

Of that, 80% was soft white wheat, with Spain the biggest importer of that variety, according to the European Commission.

WSJ: Asian Buyers Shun U.S. Wheat

The European Union recommended that its members test "soft white wheat, " which accounts for 17% of U.S. wheat exports, for genetically modified grain.

WSJ: Asian Buyers Shun U.S. Wheat