Montana farmer Mitch Konen has been elected President of the National Barley Growers Association during the group’s summer meeting in Golden, Colorado. A longtime board member and former vice president, Konen says he’s honored to step into the leadership role.
“It’s been a long haul,” Konen said. “I’ve been on the board for quite a few years, then became vice president a couple years ago — and now I get to step into the president’s position. I’m glad to have the support of the whole group.”
Konen emphasized the importance of having Montana represented in national leadership, noting the state’s major role in barley production.
“We’re always one of the top dogs when it comes to barley acreage,” he said. “Malt barley is big business in Montana — with malt plants in Great Falls and Butte, and major players like Anheuser-Busch, Coors, and Malt Europe operating here.”
As president, Konen hopes to focus on growing demand for barley, especially in the face of shifting beverage trends.
“The biggest thing is making sure we get beer consumption up a little bit — demand has come off,” he said. “We’re also working to keep markets open and find new uses for barley — in pet food, human food, and feed. It’s a heart-healthy, non-GMO grain, and we want to keep promoting that.”
Konen added that while seltzers may have cut into traditional beer sales, “No barley, no beer,” remains a clear message.
Along with fellow Montana delegates Lee Dahlman, Steve Sheffles, and Paul Bradley, Konen said the group is also focused on national ag policy.
“We’re keeping an eye on what’s coming out of D.C., and working with our senators and representatives to make sure we have good crop protection tools,” he said. “It’s about making sure we can all stay in business — especially when weather turns against us.”
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Northern Ag Network – 2025
