Get to know:
Kent Kupfner
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 vice president 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:
Discussing the Future in Our Nation’s Capital
It’s a long flight to Washington, D.C., regardless of the route taken, but well worth the time at US Wheat’s annual winter meeting held January 24-26, 2024. The Montana Wheat
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
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
Kent Kupfner Featured in Prairie Grains
If there’s one component that new Executive Vice President Kent Kupfner wants people to know about MWBC, it’s that the farmer-driven organization helps lead the state’s agriculture industry.
The Philippines: A Vitally Important Customer
The Philippines, with a population of 116 million people, is an extremely important market for U.S. wheat. The demand for high quality hard red spring wheat represents a critical component
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.
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.
Ag Update From The 2023 Montana Legislature
Now that the 2023 legislative session has wrapped up, here’s a quick recap of several of the new laws and the possible impacts to Montana wheat and barley producers.
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.
Will Mother Nature Fuel Spring Wheat Market Volatility?
There is a quiet and currently subdued bullish factor lurking just below the surface of the spring wheat market. It is likely to start rearing its head in a more pronounced way and exerting more influence in the coming weeks.
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.
Settling In & Looking Forward
December was a month full of activity as I settled in as the new Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) Executive Vice President. I’m pleased to report that despite a drop in assessment revenues due to successive years of drought, the Committee was able to approve a budget that funds our ongoing research, market development and education outreach goals.