Research
Research Investment Statement:
We directly fund scientific research that improves quality, production, and best farm practices.
Grant & Sponsorship Submissions
Access complete submission information and proceed with the application process by visiting our
grants & sponsorships page.
Q4 sponsorship submissions for CY26 are open Oct. 1 – 15. The Q1 sponsorship window opens Jan. 1, 2027.
CY27 grant submissions are closed. CY28 submissions open Aug. 15, 2027.
VARIETIES
Variety Reports
Click any file above to open the PDF.
The annual NASS Variety Surveys for wheat and barley (independently) are collected from grower responses on varieties planted plus additional questions of interest by MWBC. These reports are funded by MWBC annually.
The Montana Barley Quality Report is conducted by MSU’s barley breeders annually. The report highlights top malting, forage and feed varieties grown in Montana.
MWBC Variety Guides provide summaries of all wheat varieties planted in Montana. Analysis conducted by Montana State University’s (MSU) 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.
RESEARCH PRIORITIES
CY26: $2.1M invested
Since 1967, MWBC has made research a priority. The Committee invests nearly one-half of producer checkoff dollars in varietal development and scientific discoveries to better farm practices. Most of these dollars are spent with Montana State University-Bozeman (MSU). MSU’s Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) has seven off-campus research centers throughout the state. These experiment stations provide plot trials in real time so new varieties face challenges in Montana’s vast agri-ecosystems before adoption.
MWBC encourages growers to connect regularly with your local MAES. Your valuable input greatly impacts research projects that will improve 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: