Investing in pulse crops and Montana agriculture for the long haul

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee (MPCC) manages our state’s 1% pulse crop checkoff with one clear goal: deliver long-term return on investment for Montana’s producers. Our focus has always been on the producer and supporting rural communities

Due to the diverse agricultural landscape, many of the farmers we represent grow more than pulses. That’s why our strategic priorities now reflect this diversity. Whether you grow, process, research, or advocate for Montana agriculture, MPCC is here to connect, support, and lead through transparency and smart investment.

Montana pulse crop growers deserve more than status updates

Checkoff programs work best when they’re transparent, farmer-led, and focused on real outcomes. We’ve revamped our strategic plan to do just that—because producers’ dollars should go toward real innovation, better markets, and a stronger voice for Montana agriculture.

Priority 1

Build Internal Strength

We’re strengthening operations so checkoff dollars are well-stewarded from governance to grantmaking and beyond.

Priority 2

Expand Markets

We’re opening more doors, at home and abroad, for Montana-grown pulses and other rotational crops.

Priority 3

Communicate and Educate

We keep the lines open with farmers, the industry, researchers, and policy partners so everyone benefits from what MPCC supports.

Priority 4

Innovate

From root rot research to food development and beyond, we’re funding work that keeps Montana farms resilient.

Checkoff dollars

What We Fund and Why

As a state checkoff organization, MPCC doesn’t run programs. Rather, we invest in the people, research, and marketing efforts that make them happen. Our job is to ensure that every dollar serves Montana farmers and pulse crop production now and into the future.

Research and innovation

Tackling disease, sustainability, and new uses for Montana-grown crops.

Domestic and International Marketing

Helping buyers, consumers, and trade partners discover the value and quality of Montana’s pulse crops

Education and Communication

Equipping growers, researchers, and decision-makers with timely, transparent info

Project and Committee Development

Ensuring MPCC grows with integrity and remains producer-driven at every step

The Environmental Impact of Pulse Crops

Pulse crops have the ability to improve soil health. As legumes, they can fix nitrogen from the air and store it in the soil, which can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers and improve soil fertility over time. Additionally, pulse crops have a deep root system that can help break up soil compaction and improve water infiltration. In Montana specifically, pulse crops are becoming increasingly popular due to their adaptability to dryland farming, which is common in the state.

Reduced emissions

Using pulses in rotation with other conventional crops can reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Soil nutrition

The nitrogen fixation properties of pulses increase soil biodiversity and boost the productivity of other crops planted after their harvesting.

Less pests

Pulses are less susceptible to damage from certain pests and diseases that impact cereal crops.

Soil restoration

Using pulses in a planting rotation can allow the soil to recover and decrease issues in the future and reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides.

Why buy Montana pulse crops?

Pulses are on the move in our state! Not only are these crops delicious and nutritious, they are also economical to raise and well suited to the Montana climate making them a lucrative source of income for farmers across the state.

There were only around 11,000 combined acres of lentils, chickpeas and dry peas grown in Montana during 1998. Fast forward to 2025, there are over 1,500,000 acres planted!

Pulse crops have consistently accounted for over 1 million planted acres in Montana for the last 3 years.

Chickpeas production was forecasted at 2.21 million hundredweight for 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year, and lentils are making huge leaps as well with a 73% increase from last year.

https://agr.mt.gov/Topics/N-P/Pulse-Crop-Pages/Pulse-Home

What is the MPCC?

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee is a producer-funded, state-authorized checkoff organization supporting dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas in Montana. Our mandate is simple: invest your 1% sales checkoff in efforts that build a stronger, more profitable future for Montana growers. Likewise our new strategic direction acknowledges the simple truth that most Montana pulse producers are also rotational farmers. That’s why we’ve broadened our mission to reflect your whole operation, not just your pulse acres.

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee was created by and for our state’s pulse crop producers with funding by the Montana check-off for dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. The committee oversees the Pulse Crop Market Development Program administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture. We invite proposals to fund research and market development projects that address our state’s pulse industry needs and opportunities.

In the News/Events

A sample of a blog post

May 28, 2025

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May 23, 2025

“Invest in and deliver support for marketing, research, education, and policy development programming that improves return on investment for the pulse producers of Montana.”