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MEDIA ALERT

Montana Wheat & Barley Committee Live Pitch Competition

Great Falls, MT – Inspired by the hit television show, “Shark Tank,” The Montana Wheat & Barley Committee (MWBC) is holding a live pitch competition on Monday, March 18 entitled MWBC March Madness. The event will feature Montana State University students showcasing their current research work in the Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology Department. Scholarships will be awarded to the top three presenters.

WHO: Montana Wheat & Barley Committee

WHAT: MWBC March Madness – Research Review

WHEN: Monday, March 18, 3 – 8 pm

WHERE: MSU-Bozeman SUB Ballroom B-C

WHY: To hear from students conducting plant sciences research while providing college funding assistance.

HOW: To register for the event: https://montanawbc.com/event/march-madness/

DETAILS: The idea was formed by MWBC Market Development Director Sam Anderson. “Every spring for our board meeting, we invite grant recipients to present their progress on those projects funded by the Committee,” said Anderson. “I wanted to liven it up some so students can practice their pitch skills with a chance to earn money for college.”

Anderson said that while lead faculty apply for the grants and oversee the projects, students are working behind the scenes, often with novel discoveries. “MSU is known for its vibrant atmosphere for students – this just adds another exciting layer of recognition and appeal to their experience,” he said.

Scholarships in the amount of $1,000, $500 and $250 will be awarded to the top three presenters, with judging by MWBC directors. MWBC is hoping the competitive nature of the event will catch favor with sponsors who might want to match the funds.

The MWBC board continues the week with their spring board meeting Tuesday, March 19. For more information about MWBC March Madness or the board meeting, log on to montanawbc.com, email [email protected], or call 406-761-7732.

ABOUT SAM ANDERSON: Raised in southern Minnesota, Anderson's passion for expanding the wheat and barley industry began with those Minnesota roots. He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and a minor in Agricultural Systems Management from North Dakota State University where he gained small grains experiences as a crop scout and a research assistant. His early commercial grain experience focusing on elevator inventories and accounting helped prepare him for his role with the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee.

As MWBC market development director, Anderson is responsible for maintaining close contact with MSU's research teams and other critical partners. He works with colleagues at US Wheat Associates and US Grains Council, focusing on market trends and opportunities for variety improvement in Montana's grain crops. Sam has been with MWBC since 2019.

The Montana Wheat & Barley Committee's goal is to help develop superior plant varieties and best farm practices for generations to come. They cultivate markets by building trade relationships while providing educational outreach, all while committing to Montana values.

Lori Wickett, Communications Director

c) 406.570.6807 e) [email protected]