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Sawfly Video Series
MWBC is working with Montana State University scientists, graduate students, and growers to produce an educational video series focused on efforts to mitigate the damages resulting from the wheat stem sawfly. We will be looking at past efforts and will take a deeper dive on where we’re at today. Featured topics include the critical history of the MSU breeding program, the evolution of solid stem varieties and current research strategies. The video series will emphasize how MSU is the leading institution for wheat stem sawfly research and stress the importance of collaborating with other university research programs. We expect the video to be released in the months ahead.
Upcoming Activities
May is shaping up to be busy with promotional and educational endeavors. Durum and barley marketing updates and discussions with representatives from Pasta Montana, Constellation and Heineken are on the MWBC agenda. We will assist with the Gallatin County Farm Fair where we’ll get the opportunity to teach area fourth graders about where their food comes from and the importance of Montana’s wheat and barley production. We’re coordinating an educational field trip for MSU plant science students to give them a closer look at Montana’s wheat and barley industry. Visits to a shuttle elevator, the State Grain Lab and a flour mill are all part of the agenda. Cross-border trade opportunities, particularly as it relates to feed barley exports to Canada, will be the focus during a trip to Lethbridge in collaboration with the Great Falls Development Authority. Finally, Keven Bradley and I will be attending a US What World Staff meeting in Malta.
As always, be safe and best of luck with spring fieldwork. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed that Mother Nature treats everyone well!
Kent Kupfner
Executive Director, MWBC
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