Brian Aklestad

Brian Aklestad and his wife, Jodi, manage over 3,000 acres in Galata, Montana, a small town in Toole County. Brian is deeply committed to serving his community; he has been a member of the Shelby School Board for 16 years and has served on the Montana Pulse Crop Committee (MPCC) since 2021.

Recently appointed Chairman of the MPCC, Brian has become actively involved in advocating for the Montana pulse industry. His engagement includes attending grower meetings and participating in the national pulse research review for the past two years. As a member of the international marketing committee, he traveled with the Montana Department of Agriculture to Colombia in June 2024 to promote the Montana pulse industry and is slated to attend the India Grain and Pulse Association Conclave with USA Pulses in 2025.

On his farm, Brian produces lentils, mustard, camelina, wheat, and barley, with plans to introduce chickpeas in 2025. As a no-till certified seed grower, he sells certified seed to several regional buyers in Montana and Idaho. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with buyers and adhering to crop rotation practices rather than chasing market trends.

Brian’s vision for the future of agriculture is to ensure that young farmers and ranchers have the opportunity to return to the family farm and sustain a livelihood.

Thank you, Brian, for your years of dedicated service to your local community and the Montana pulse industry.