By Jillien Streit, Director, Montana Department of Agriculture
<<We asked newly appointed Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillien Streit to give us a few of her thoughts. She was happy to oblige — and we welcome her aboard!>>
The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) has long been an advocate for the producers that fund the programing through check-off dollars. Throughout my career I have had many experiences that I can contribute to the vast impacts of marketing, collaboration, research and education through MWBC. Upon traveling the globe, I meet buyers of commodities and hear the familiar distinction for the region I live, “The Golden Triangle” mentioned in conversation. When I ask how they know about this area, the response is usually, “Its high-quality wheat and barley products.” Is this what it’s like living in the Bordeaux region of France?
Distinguishing Montana wheat and barley by its quality has been a longstanding effort that starts in harsh climate conditions with barely enough moisture to produce just enough commodities for producers to justify their toil. Ask any producer in the Golden Triangle why they raise wheat and barley, and they will proudly say, “We grow the highest quality in world.”
How has this quality come to be, and how can the collection of check-off dollars continue to support the producers? It’s not just as simple as defining a region, claiming high quality and hoping the rest of the world agrees to purchase those products. Decades of collaboration, marketing, research and education have created this opportunity for the growers of Montana wheat and barley.
In my new position as the director of agriculture for the state of Montana, I have had the pleasure of attending my first MWBC meeting. It did not disappoint. The board composition of growers from across the whole state ensures equitable representation. These growers, like those who served before them, take their duties seriously and deliver accountable metrics. Under the exceptional leadership of Kent Kupfner with the enthusiastic and talented Lori Wickett, the board attacked a packed agenda. Wheat Marketing Center, Montana State University and Montana Grain Growers Association are just a few of the collaborative updates given throughout the meeting. The board heard proposals for future research and follow-up briefings on current research projects ranging from sawfly to new precision ag technologies. The active board has travelled all over the country and to foreign markets to perpetuate the quality reputation we Montana producers have grown through our production and commitment to this check-off program. I am very privileged to be a small part of this producer driven, funded and executed organization.