August and September have seen busy visitor days with three trade teams arriving to Montana from Japan and Mexico. Customers who explored business opportunities through the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee (MWBC) included a newly created buyer group, first-time purchasers, and a group with a long tenure of Montana relationships.
In August, a Mexican craft malt group spent a lengthy day between Butte and Bozeman visiting Montana Craft Malt, Gallatin Valley Malt, the Montana State University (MSU) Malt Quality Lab and region barley growers. Sam Anderson, MWBC market development director, relayed his enthusiasm about this team.
“These prospective buyers are putting together the largest Mexican purchasing group for craft malt barley,” he said. “They visited five states and explored supplier options while learning the research side of barley at MSU.” Anderson said that this potential relationship for Montana barley growers is strong. “They are evaluating quotes now; we should hear about their selections soon which is exciting.”
The Zenfunkyo team, Japan, made their first exploratory visit to an overseas supplier, visiting farms near Broadview. Zenfunkyo has always purchased their wheat domestically and chose Montana for their first look at importing grain. “This is a consortium of small millers,” said Kent Kupfner, MWBC executive vice president. “They are looking to improve their supply quality to advance their product taste and consistency. Montana’s consistent and reliable supply of high-quality milling wheat attracted their attention.”
While visiting, the Zenfunkyo group got the chance to ride along during harvest and experience what many never do in a lifetime: cutting U.S. wheat in a combine and riding the tractor pulling a grain cart. “Like many teams before them, that experience was impactful,” Kupfner added.
Different from these previous tours, the Japan flour millers team arrived in Montana to continue their longstanding relationships with Big Sky Country growers. Japanese managers from four large milling companies flew into Great Falls September 14. They toured the Montana State Grain Lab, CHS Big Sky and a farm near Carter. Lt. Governor Kristen Juras, Montana Dept. of Agriculture Director Christy Clark and fellow Dept. of Ag team members joined the group for a closeout dinner. “The purpose of this visit was to celebrate our strong relationship with Japan,” Anderson said. “Japan is the third largest importer of U.S. spring and winter wheat and about 75 percent of Montana wheat is sold to the Pacific Rim. Japan is one of our very strongest partners.”
The Montana Wheat & Barley Committee has entertained 13 trade teams since February with two more planned for October. For additional information, email wbc@mt.gov or call 406-761-7732.