Each June, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) releases its highly anticipated Acreage Report—a nationwide snapshot of how American farmers are allocating their acres. This comprehensive survey gathers information from across the country and provides an early-season estimate of what crops are being planted, how much land is dedicated to each, and where trends are shifting.
The 2025 Acreage Report, released on June 30, is more than just a numbers game. It plays a critical role in understanding planting decisions, anticipating supply trends, and gauging the broader health of U.S. agriculture. For Montana pulse producers, it also offers a chance to see how their efforts compare against national trends and neighboring states.
National Pulse Crop Trends in 2025
According to the report, pulse crops—including dry edible peas, lentils, and chickpeas—saw an overall increase in planted area across the United States:
- Dry pea acreage grew by 7% compared to 2024.
- Lentil acreage was up by 6% nationally.
- Chickpea acreage held relatively steady, with minimal change from the previous year.
While these gains aren’t earth-shattering, they suggest cautious optimism among pulse producers, many of whom are returning to pulses after a few tough years marked by global oversupply, price fluctuations, and shifting trade dynamics. For some, the appeal lies not just in global demand, but in the rotational benefits pulses offer when grown alongside wheat and other cereal crops.
Montana’s Performance Outpaces the Nation
Montana continues to lead the nation in pulse production—and by a healthy margin. The numbers from the 2025 Acreage Report show that Montana remains the #1 producer of both dry peas and lentils, thanks to a combination of favorable growing conditions, established infrastructure, and years of farmer experience.
Here’s what the report reveals for Montana:
- Dry peas: Montana planted 610,000 acres, a 10% increase over 2024 and significantly above the national growth rate.
- Lentils: The state planted 830,000 acres, marking an 8% increase.
- Chickpeas: Montana’s chickpea acres held steady at 255,000 acres, in line with broader national trends.
This makes Montana responsible for nearly half of all dry pea acreage in the United States and a significant share of lentil production as well.
Why Montana’s Pulse Producers Are Gaining Ground
Several factors contribute to Montana’s strong showing in the 2025 report:
- Favorable spring planting conditions allowed many producers to get in the field early and establish healthy stands.
- Robust processing and shipping infrastructure continues to make Montana an attractive region for pulse expansion.
- Producer confidence is growing, thanks in part to solid market prices and improved international demand.
That said, the report also notes that challenges remain. Weed pressure, disease management, and the need for more region-specific research are ongoing concerns for Montana growers. Organizations like the Montana Pulse Crop Committee (MPCC) are working to address these issues through producer education, research funding, and policy advocacy.
As planting wraps and harvest looms on the horizon, the 2025 Acreage Report is a welcome validation of the resilience and forward-thinking strategies of Montana’s pulse producers. With eyes on international markets and a commitment to agronomic stewardship, Montana is not just keeping pace—it’s setting the pace.
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