Get to know:

Kent Kupfner, Executive Director

Kent has called the Treasure State home since the age of five and spent most of his childhood growing up in the small town of Joliet, MT. While living in this rural community, Kent was exposed to agriculture at a young age and participated in FFA and 4-H. Kent’s interest in production agriculture led him to pursue an Agricultural Business degree with a minor in Economics from Montana State University-Bozeman.

After graduation, Kent’s agricultural career began in the Texas panhandle where he worked for Cargill as a merchandiser. Kent quickly progressed, leading him to the Golden State. He eventually took a position with Foster Farms while in California and then returned to Montana in 1997 to work for General Mills.

As a wheat trader for the company serving customers in more than 100 countries, Kent gained valuable experience in the wheat industry. He moved on to become regional manager for Columbia Grain and oversaw a new crush plant at Montana Specialty Mills while managing the procurement and sales of oil and meal.

Kent took on the role of executive diretor for MWBC in November, 2022. Outside of work, you’ll find Kent spending time with his wife and three kids. You’ll also hear him cheering on the MSU Bobcats, working in the yard, or attending car shows.

Articles by Kent:

Montana Trade Mission to Taiwan

By Kent Kupfner — Terry Angvick, Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) District 1 director, and Kent Kupfner, MWBC executive director, recently joined Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on a trade

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Meeting Taiwan’s Expectations

As Board Member Terry Angvick and Executive Vice President Kent Kupfner prepare to travel to Taiwan in a few weeks, understanding Taiwan’s specific quality needs is a critical component to

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June Recap

June was a productive and busy month for the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) and we’re so happy and motivated to see such promising crops around most of Montana. 

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Taiwan Trade at CHS Elevator near Fort Benton

Taiwan – A Loyal US Wheat Customer

The MWBC recently hosted a trade team from the Taiwan Flour Miller’s Association.  The team, which included representatives from five of the largest flour mills in the country, was in Montana to get a firsthand look at current crop conditions, receive market updates and meet with representatives of the grain industry.

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Southern Plains Winter Wheat Crop Beat Up

Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat acres make up the largest share of overall winter wheat acreage in the United States and crop condition ratings are reflecting the weather-related challenges in the Central and Southern Plains.  HRW condition ratings are near historical lows for this time of year.  Bellwether Kansas, the largest HRW producing state, shows 81% of the state in drought conditions.

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South Korea… A Bright Spot for U.S. Wheat Exports

Although the United States remains one of the six major global wheat exporters, our market share has been trending lower for the past 22 years. Over the past decade, the United States has given up market share to competitors such as Canada, the EU, Russia, Ukraine, and Australia.

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Crop Reports

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