MSU Foundation Seed Program

The MSU Foundation Seed program provides foundation seed to producer partners across the state, primarily from the university’s spring wheat, winter wheat, and barley breeding programs, as well as oats, safflower, peas and lentils. We are an extension of MSU’s breeding programs and strive to increase recommended varieties with the assurance of genetic purity and quality standards.

Seed varieties are developed based on the needs of Montana growers facing climate, pest and soil challenges in the diverse agro-ecosystems of the state. The university responds with varieties specifically bred and adapted to meet these challenges, initially released as MAES varieties in the foundation stage of production.

Updates/News:
The Variety Release Meeting was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. 
The following varieties have been released: 
MTD19011 Hollow Stem Durum, public release, PVP Title IV Pending, Foundation seed available Spring 2027; MTD19241 Solid Stem Durum, public release, PVP Title IV Pending, Foundation seed available Spring 2027; MT 21074 Spring Wheat, public release, PVP Title IV Pending, Foundation seed available Spring 2027;
MT21487 Clearfield Spring Wheat, private release, PVP Title IV Pending, Foundation seed available Spring 2027;
MT18H02702 (MT Kidd), Hulless Waxy Barley, public release, PVP Title IV Pending, Foundation seed available Spring 2026.  

For more information on variety releases, please visit our Variety Release Information page.

MSU Foundation Seed Variety Releases and Availability

January 1, 2023 - Increase in research fees
January 1, 2023 - Price increase in Foundation Seed Stock