For Montana pulse growers, the Farm Bill is more than just federal legislation—it is the backbone of support programs that help manage risk, protect soil and water, and keep markets strong. Yet as of late August 2025, Congress has not...
In agriculture, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day: weather forecasts, commodity prices, and whether the grain truck will start. But every once in a while, it’s important to pause, look ahead, and ask: Where are we going?...
We’ve already written about How Market Prices Are Set for Montana Pulse Crops, so you might be asking—how do local elevators, processors, and exporters actually come up with those numbers? If there’s no central exchange or published futures price for...
If you grow lentils, chickpeas, or dry peas in Montana, you already know that prices can shift quickly. But where exactly do those prices come from? And who decides what your crop is worth? Unlike major commodities like corn and...
U.S. agriculture is entering a moment of recalibration. In 2025, producers across the Northern Plains and Mountain West cut back on wheat, barley, and canola while boosting pulse plantings, particularly lentils. The shift reflects changing global demand, input costs, and...
In the world of agriculture, diversification isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a strategy that can significantly enhance a farmer’s financial stability and resilience. The concept of diversification, well-known in the financial sector thanks to Nobel laureate Harry Markowitz, applies just as...
Montana’s pulse growers don’t just produce high-quality chickpeas, lentils, and dry peas—they also help shape the national and state policies that make it possible to grow and market them. A portion of every Montana pulse checkoff dollar supports this mission...
Have you ever pulled up a handful of pulse plants, like lentils, chickpeas, or peas, and seen the unassuming little bumps on the roots? Those nodules on the roots of pulse plants play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, the...
Pulse crop producers in Montana have long been dedicated to advancing the pulse industry. Through the strategic use of the Checkoff Dollars Program, producers are funding initiatives across four crucial pillars: domestic marketing, international marketing, information & government policy, and...