RESEARCH
research investment statement
We directly fund scientific research that improves quality, production, and best farm practices.
CY26 Grant & Sponsorship Submissions
Access complete submission information and proceed with the application process by visiting our
grants & sponsorships page.
Q2 Sponsorship submissions for CY26 are open April 1-15.
MARCH MADNESS
Monday, March 23, Montana State University
MSU Alumni Foundation, 1501 S. 11th Ave., Bozeman
Competition open to grad students
Compete in this research review showcasing your project in a “Shark Tank”-like atmosphere. You’ll have five minutes to pitch your work to a panel of judges. Big cash prizes and a great way to boast your accomplishments on your resume!
Student Registration (deadline Mar. 13)
Schedule:
Doors open, posters placed: Noon
Poster visits begin: 1 pm
Event begins: 2 pm
Awards: 6:30 pm
Four Divisions
First Year MS
Later Year MS
First Year PhD
Later Year PhD
Cash Awards
1st $1000
2nd $500
3rd $250
Presentation
5 Minutes at the podium
Can present up to two slides during presentation
Poster (attach to heavyweight posterboard; bring your easel)
Judging
Scoring based on:
- Project Impact: how your research will foster improved outcomes for the grain industry
- Communication/Sell Skill: your ability to clearly and concisely present your project
- Practicality: the likelihood that your research could be introduced into industry
Points Tally
Project Impact: 45 pts
Communication: 35 pts
Practicality: 15 pts
Poster: 5 pts
PLANTED GOLD
Montana State University Feature
4/23/24
Exploring HB4: Why the Gene Helps Further Additional Research
By
Brandon Tillett
Recently finishing first place in the annual March Madness: PhD Later Year category, Brandon authored this latest MSU blog, detailing how MSU has begun conventional research methods to evaluate the HB4 gene.
VARIETIES
Variety Reports
Variety guides for winter wheat and spring wheat, along with the most recent barley variety report, are located in the following list.
We’ve also added the 2025 NASS Variety Survey for wheat and for barley.
Click any file to open the PDF.
The Variety Guides provide summaries of all winter or spring wheat varieties planted in Montana. Analysis conducted by Montana State University’s Cereal Quality Lab focused on the merits of WQL scoring, an efficient and consistent national tabulation to evaluate the US wheat crop. Buyers can be guaranteed that the same scoring that exists in Montana will be similar from Washington to Kansas to Ohio.
From this scoring test, Montana-planted varieties are then ranked from exceptional quality to acceptable standards to less preferred. Growers can utilize this system to help determine the best varieties to plant during the selection process.
The Montana Barley Variety Report is conducted by Montana State University’s barley breeders annually. The report highlights top malting, forage and feed varieties grown in Montana.
The annual NASS Variety Surveys are collected from grower responses on varieties planted plus additional questions of interest by MWBC.
Survey data collected from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and funded by the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee make these reports possible.
RESEARCH PRIORITIES
CY25: $1.931M invested
Since 1967, MWBC has made research a priority. The Committee invests approximately 50 percent of total producer checkoff dollars in varietal development and best practice. Most of these dollars are spent with Montana State University-Bozeman (MSU). Montana’s Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) has seven off-campus research centers throughout the state. These centers are located in targeted areas to relate directly to agriculture producers where they can address diverse challenges in Montana’s vast agri-ecosystems.
MWBC encourages growers to connect regularly with your local MAES. Your input is highly sought relative to the multitude of research projects conducted by MSU that will impact Montana’s grain industry.
Learn more additional information related to MAES.
INVESTMENT MISSION
Research: We directly fund scientific research that improves quality, production and best farm practices.
Market Development: We establish and cultivate trade relationships as well as explore new markets. We present relevant information to more than 1,000 potential buyers each year.
Education: We support organizations that further the overall knowledge of Montana agriculture.
Operations: We employ five staff members dedicated to pursuing our goal and carrying out our mission.
Sawfly Solutions
In Montana’s quest for a solution to the Wheat Stem Sawfly, Montana Wheat & Barley Committee has produced a video tuned for the national research community. Here’s a teaser: