Get to know:
Sam Anderson
Market Development Director Sam Anderson connects you with the right strategic partner for your grain buying needs. He has an acute focus on logistics and quality of Montana’s grains and spends a large part of his time in close contact with research teams from Montana State University and other critical partners. Sam communicates regularly with Montana producers and you can count on him to be an integral part of your Montana business awareness.
Sam arrived to MWBC in 2019. Raised in southern Minnesota, Sam’s passion for expanding the wheat and barley industry began with those Minnesota roots. He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and a minor in Agricultural Systems Management from North Dakota State University where he gained small grains experiences as a crop scout and an NDSU research assistant. His beginning professional role gave him grain trading company experience where he reported elevator inventories and accounting. When the company acquired an organic wheat business, he strengthened his resume by working in that small team environment.
Sam and his wife, Kelsey, live in Helena, MT. He loves the outdoors and spends his spare time mountain biking, entering local bike races, and downhill skiing in the winter. He also loves rooting for the Minnesota Vikings NFL football team.
Articles by Sam:
2023 USDA Acreage and Stocks Report
Wheat prices have remained volatile, with the bear news of the 2023 USDA acreage and stocks report. Rain fell on the corn belt, and wheat prices dropped 50-97 cents last week.
Trade Team visits give purpose to Montana Farmers
So much of the wheat and barley industry in Montana is made up of long days on machinery, agronomics, and shipping. The social aspects of wheat and barley production can be grueling on one’s mental health due to isolation, harsh working conditions, and financial uncertainty.
The 100-Year Struggle Of Managing Wheat Stem Sawfly
The wheat stem sawfly lays larvae in the stem of grasses. Loss is seen by overall yield and damage to the stem in the early stages of the development but also the iconic tipping over of stems falling on the ground.
Sharing The Story Of Wheat With The Next Generation
The Farm Fair is to provide a rural ranch atmosphere where students and teachers learn about agriculture in Montana.
Attendees learn about the food supply chain, see first hand how food is prepared for human consumption, and demonstrate the agricultural communities commitment to protecting our natural resources.
A Busy Summer Of Market Development
For the last few years, virtual trade team events increased significantly. The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) staff found adapting to the virtual setting a critical direction for market development
Does Montana Ship Grain via the Great Lakes? Queue Gordon Lightfoot
Montana certainly ships durum and spring wheat to Duluth for export. Higher crop volumes in 2019 and 2020 warranted more grain headed east. Mainly durum, European purchases can frequently be the destination.
Desert Necessities… Montana Plant Breeding in Arizona
Despite the snow and cold in the Treasure State, wheat breeding programs at Montana State University (MSU) remain hard at work. I was able to join Dr. Jason Cook in Yuma Arizona to see the importance of double cropping in plant breeding and foundation seed.
Montana Prospective Planting Report
Montana’s bears are waking up from hibernation and the bulls are relishing a job well done as calving is in full swing. This year the bears and bulls joined hands in the head-scratching 2023 USDA prospective planting report. Not much change in the planting front for the treasure state.
March USDA Crop Progress Report
Author: United States Department of Agriculture Contributions: Sam Anderson For the first time in two years, Montana is not in an extreme drought ! March 9th 2021 was the last
March Madness, The 2023 Prospective Planting Report Predictions
The last day of March is considered a holiday in our office as the awaited USDA prospective planting numbers are released. What will the planted acres be? Will Montana farmers plant more wheat and barley? Will the Bobcats beat Kansas State in the tournament?
Why Australia’s Trade Relationship with China Matters to a Montana Barley Farmer
China’s beer production accounts for 22% of the global beer complex. 2.6-3.0 million metric tons of malt is consumed yearly, while in 2021 12.5 million metric tons of barley for feed and malt use was imported by China.
Grain Sampling in Montana
Grain Samplers drive throughout the Treasure State probing railcars, totes, trucks, and bag lots. This is a very time sensitive process as the elevator will load the product and order a sample through the State Grain Lab and need to get the products in transit to avoid costly demurrage charges.