Montana state agricultural officials are urging growers to participate in an upcoming wheat and barley varieties survey conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

NASS began contacting Montana farmers by phone this week to collect data for June survey reports, with plans to continue compiling information through mid-July, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

“This year’s varieties survey will give our breeding program unique and widespread insight into the characteristics that are truly important to Montana farmers,” said Cassidy Marn, Executive Vice President of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. “With producer checkoff dollars helping to fund breeding programs, and MSU varieties accounting for a substantial portion of wheat and barley acreage here in Montana, responses to the survey are essential to our continued success.”

The survey is a collaborative project among the committee, Montana State University, and USDA's NASS targeting specific data points that will influence future breeding research and varietal selections, officials said.

"With end-use quality driving markets around the world, Montana can maintain a competitive edge by utilizing survey results to guarantee crop quality and improve production," the state ag department asserted in a news release. "The Wheat and Barley Varieties Survey is one of many initiatives led by the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee to promote research, marketing, and education for the benefit of Montana producers."

To learn more about the committee's checkoff-related activities, visit wbc.agr.mt.gov.