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.
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.
Build Internal Strength
We’re strengthening operations so checkoff dollars are well-stewarded from governance to grantmaking and beyond.
Expand Markets
Communicate and Educate
Innovate
From root rot research to food development and beyond, we’re funding work that keeps Montana farms resilient.
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.
Using pulses in rotation with other conventional crops can reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.
The nitrogen fixation properties of pulses increase soil biodiversity and boost the productivity of other crops planted after their harvesting.
Pulses are less susceptible to damage from certain pests and diseases that impact cereal crops.
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.
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
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.
The release of new federal dietary guidelines out of Washington does not always make waves on Montana farms. This time, however, pulse growers have reason to pay attention. While headlines often focus on consumer eating habits, the updated guidance sends important signals about how beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas are
The USDA just announced that per capita vegetable and pulse availability in the United States fell to just 376 pounds last year—the lowest level in more than 35 years. The last time it was this low was in 1988. That figure is down significantly from the 1996 peak of 426
Grain contracts are more than paperwork—they’re the foundation of a farm’s revenue and risk management strategy. But navigating these contracts isn’t always straightforward. From complex pricing terms to strict delivery obligations, the fine print can carry big implications for your bottom line. Here’s how Montana growers can approach a grain
To improve the return on investment for the farmers of Montana.
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