In the heart of Montana, where agriculture forms the backbone of communities and the economy, Dr. Sreekala Bajwa stands as a transformative leader. As vice president for agriculture, dean of the College of Agriculture, and director of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station at Montana State University, she is the first woman to hold this pivotal role at MSU. With an illustrious career rooted in agricultural engineering, precision agriculture, and applied research—spanning prestigious institutions across the country and earning her recognition as a fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers—Bajwa brings unparalleled expertise to Montana’s land-grant mission.
Her visionary leadership has elevated MSU’s efforts to support producers and rural communities, particularly through close partnerships with industry groups like the Montana Pulse Crop Committee. Under her guidance, research and outreach have helped cement Montana’s position as the nation’s leading producer of pulse crops—vital nitrogen-fixing powerhouses like lentils, chickpeas, and dry peas that drive soil health, profitability, and sustainable farming across the state. We spoke with Dean Bajwa about the vital role of pulse crops in Montana agriculture, the exciting future of research and value-added opportunities, and what truly sets Montana’s producers apart.
Recognizing her pivotal role in advancing pulse crop research and producer support, the Montana Pulse Crop Committee asked Dean Bajwa to take a moment to answer five questions—giving readers a chance to get to know her better and hear her perspective matters related to Montana’s pulse industry today.
- As vice president for agriculture and dean at Montana State University, how do you see Montana’s pulse crop industry fitting into the broader land-grant mission of serving producers, communities and the state’s agricultural economy?
Research conducted by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) has been critical in lifting Montana to be the number one pulse producer in the country.
Today, there is robust research, teaching and outreach around pulse crop production, making it an integral part of MSU’s land-grant mission. Continued legislative support, including the establishment of the Montana Pulse Crop Committee and its producer funded checkoff, has been transformative in advancing research and outreach that directly serve producer needs.
Major support from Specialty Crop Block Grant program through the Montana Department of Agriculture has strengthened these efforts. Today, our research and outreach efforts on pulse crops span new variety development, agronomic practices and disease diagnostics and management.
New MAES varieties of chickpea and pea are demonstrating strong performance statewide – thanks to our pulse breeding program and all the researchers contributing to variety trials and agronomic research.
Producer partnership is a crucial element to our research across the state. Looking ahead, pulse crop research and education will remain a priority, driven by conservation and human health benefits. We are working on expanding our research capacity into new value-added products.
- Your background in precision agriculture and agricultural byproduct utilization spans research, engineering and applied science. How are those areas shaping the way MSU approaches research and outreach that directly benefits pulse growers in Montana?
I believe precision agriculture will be central to the future of farming as producers focus on efficiency and returns.
Precision agriculture tools will continue to enable more strategic use of limited resources such as water in our semi-arid production system, while supporting soil health and managing rising input costs.
In agricultural research, irrespective of the focus area, the emphasis is on applying science to solve real-world challenges. We are excited to have our new precision agriculture team already making a difference to agricultural producers by addressing key challenges and reducing agricultural input utilization.
In parallel, we are developing a research program around value-added agriculture. Value-added opportunities from agricultural commodities and byproducts represent a significant pathway to increase producer returns, create jobs, and strengthen Montana’s agricultural economy.
- From your vantage point working closely with researchers, Extension and industry partners, what opportunities do you see for pulse crops to play a larger role in Montana’s cropping systems, soil health and farm profitability over the next decade?
Pulse crops are great choices for Montana’s semi-arid production system with its recurring droughts. As a nitrogen-fixing crop, they help to keep our soils healthy. Also, for pest management, they make great rotations with other crops.
One of the pulse producers at the fall meeting told me that his chickpea field growing our new variety, Bridger, was the only field that made money for him. Many producers already recognize these benefits, and continued research is helping to refine management practices that improve both productivity and profitability.
I am preaching to the choir here. I consume plenty of pulses in my daily diet because I like them and they are good for health. But my son’s preference would be to consume them as protein shake or protein bars.
It is important to keep your thumb on the pulse of consumer preferences and take advantage of new and emerging markets to keep our pulse crop industry in Montana strong. As research, breeding, and market development continue to advance, pulse crops are well positioned to contribute even more to diversified rotations, soil resilience, and farm profitability across the state.
- You’ve worked in multiple regions of the country before coming to Montana. What stands out to you about Montana agriculture and its pulse crop producers compared to other places you’ve worked or studied?
Montana State University is the fourth land-grant university that I have been a part of. Having worked in three other states, Montana stands out for the strength of its land-grant culture and the deep connection between producers and the university.
At MSU College of Agriculture, the land-grant mission is not just a concept, we live it every day. Producers actively engage with research and Extension and are true collaborators on research projects.
Montana’s pulse crop producers are remarkably innovative, collaborative, and forward-looking. They approach challenges together, share knowledge openly, and are quick to adopt practices and technologies that strengthen their operations and are good for stewarding their land.
What also resonates with me is the character of Montana’s agricultural communities. The state’s rural culture reminds me of my own upbringing, and the sense of partnership between producers, researchers, and Extension is truly distinctive. This close-knit group that works together to address common challenges is one of Montana agriculture’s greatest strengths and a big part of why our pulse industry continues to excel.
- Away from your professional roles and research, what is something about you—an interest, habit or source of inspiration—that helps people better understand who you are beyond your work in agriculture?
I am a mother and aggie at heart. My family means a lot to me. The values I learned growing up in a farming family stay with me and guide me every day in decision making.
I love getting on the trails, at least on weekends. During the summertime, I grow a garden in the backyard that helps me stay centered.
This new year, after reading a book titled Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, I have been trying to develop the habit of being grateful; remembering one or two things that I am grateful for at the end of every single day.
Every day, I feel truly honored and grateful for this position of privilege where I get to work with great faculty, staff, students and the wonderful people of our great state of Montana.
The Bottom Line
From breeding new pulse varieties to expanding precision agriculture and value-added research, Bajwa’s perspective reflects both the scientific depth and the human connection behind Montana’s pulse industry. Her emphasis on producer partnerships, applied research, and adapting to market and consumer trends underscores why Montana continues to lead the nation in pulse production—and why collaboration between producers, researchers, and organizations like the Montana Pulse Crop Committee remains so critical to the industry’s future.
– To learn more about ongoing pulse crop research and grower-focused initiatives, follow the Montana Pulse Crop Committee and stay connected with Montana State University’s College of Agriculture for the latest updates and insights.
