Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ron de Yong announced the selection of Collin Watters as the new wheat and barley bureau chief. This position also serves as the executive vice president of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. Official duties begin on January 27, 2014.
“It is an honor to announce that Collin Watters will be the new wheat and barley bureau chief,” said Director de Yong. “With the department since 2005, Collin comes with an extensive background and familiarity of Montana agriculture, serving as the agriculture marketing and business development bureau chief for the last four years. Collin brings invaluable experience to the bureau and the Wheat and Barley Committee as we continue to expand our market share. He knows the issues facing Montana farmers, and has the ability to coalesce groups for the good of the state.”
Collin Watters comes with over eight years of experience in program and project management expertise with the state of Montana. He currently serves as the Montana department of agriculture marketing and business development bureau chief and previously managed the Growth Through Agriculture program.
Watters spearheaded the modernization of the Growth Through Agriculture program in the 2009 legislative session. He has extensive hands-on experience with agricultural issues in the state; including business development, technical assistance to businesses, market analysis, state and federal farm policy, trade missions, strategic planning, and budget management. He received the 2012 Governor’s Award for Excellence and 2010 Montana Department of Agriculture Outstanding Employee Award. Watters graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences and a Masters in Business Administration.
“Marketing and research are fundamental to the success of our wheat and barley industry,” said Watters. “Expanding trade opportunities and knowledge of the superior wheat and barley product grown in Montana will benefit our producers and state. In a competitive market, I look forward to working with Montana farmers, businesses and organizations to grow Montana’s number one industry.”
The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is the producer-funded and directed check-off organization for wheat and barley growers in the state. It is the mission of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee to protect and foster the health and prosperity of the Montana wheat and barley industry by: encouraging scientific research to improve production and quality; maintaining trade relationships; promoting new market development; and serving as an educational and informational resource.
Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.
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