Montana Wheat & Barley Committee

With agriculture being the Montana's number one industry, and tourism closely following, it is in the best interest of the state to maintain high environmental quality standards.  Montana's long and hot summers, and cold winters help keep pests and disease to a minimum, and allow excellent storage opportunities.  Montana is unique in its ability to grow three different classes of wheat, hard red winter, hard red spring, and durum, and ranks third among the states in total wheat production.  Hard red winter and hard red spring are both used extensively in breadmaking, and also in blends with other wheats to improve the performance of the resulting flour. Durum wheat is the gold standard for making pasta.

Existing and potential buyers and processors of hard red winter, hard red spring, and durum wheat can rely on the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee to provide them with valuable information and services on behalf of the state's wheat producers. Approximately 80% of the Montana wheat crop is exported out of the country to buyers all of the world, with the biggest market being Asia.

The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is a member of U.S. Wheat Associates, which acts as the international market development entity for the entire U.S. wheat industry.  U.S. Wheat has offices strategically located around the world to help wheat buyers, millers, bakers, wheat food processors, and government officials understand the quality, value, and reliability of U.S. wheat.  Membership in U.S. Wheat provides Montana wheat growers with market intelligence, customer access and the opportunity to participate in outgoing trade teams and incoming trade missions.

Montana ranks third in the nation for barley production, with acreage expected to increase.  Montana's barley is grown for food, feed, and malt, with maltsters around the world beginning to appreciate the excellent quality of the state's two row barley.

The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is a member of the U.S. Grains Council, which develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and related products.  The Council is a private, non-profit corporation with 10 international offices and programs in more than 50 countries.  Its unique membership includes producer organizations and agribusinesses with a common interest in developing export markets.
 

In this section, you will find information regarding:

• Transportation
• Quality Information
• Production
• Grading Standards
• Grain Movement
• Weather