Staff
Montana Wheat & Barley Committee staff work primarily out of the Great Falls, MT headquarters when they are not frequenting Montana farms, agribusinesses and research centers.
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. His 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 director 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.
p) 406.604.7593
Lori Wickett, Director of Engagement
lori.wickett@mt.gov
Lori covers research and organization communications. She oversees incoming grants and reviews, communicates regularly with MSU research faculty and College of Ag admin, handles communication strategy such as social media, video and information outlets, assists Kent with market development initiatives, and writes most of MWBC’s publications.
Skye Smith, Ag Program Manager
skye.smith@mt.gov
As ag program manager, Skye is responsible for organizing projects from trade team missions to grower visits. Her role covers the traffic work of projects such as initiating social media posts, communicating with teachers about new wheat education materials, standing up trade show activities and booth space, and preparing growers for successful tours to Portland each winter. She handles trade team visits including planning the agenda and assisting buyers upon their arrival and throughout their visit.
Sabrina Lahaderne, Office Manager
sabrina.lahaderne@mt.gov
Sabrina is the lead of all things travel and finance management. She ensures that directors are taken care of for their attendance to national meetings, keeps the organization calendar, books board meetings, handles catering, and works with hotels for trade team visits. Her lead responsibility in finance is overseeing the assessment including reporting to Kent. She manages expense reporting for board and staff, and prepares financials for board meeting presentation while working closely with the Montana Dept. of Ag CFO.