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? That’s exactly what the Montana Pulse Crop Committee (MPCC) set out to do when it began developing its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan—and the result is something every Montana pulse grower should take pride in.
This wasn’t a plan built in a vacuum. Over the course of 2024 and parts of 2025, MPCC representatives, research partners, and stakeholders from across the pulse industry rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They met in Bozeman and Great Falls, toured research facilities, and conducted stakeholder interviews to capture the full picture of what Montana pulse growers need now—and what they’ll need in five years. And beyond. This process was driven by a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and above all else, impact.
The outcome? A five-year blueprint centered around four strategic priorities that will guide everything MPCC does through 2030:
- Build Internal Strength – Because effective governance and strong partnerships are what make results possible. This means streamlining communication, strengthening collaboration with partners like USA Pulses and Northern Pulse Growers Association, and providing board members with the tools they need to lead.
- Expand Markets – Montana is already the nation’s top producer of dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas. But there’s more work to do. This plan calls for stronger ties with the livestock industry, investment in promotional campaigns, and expansion into new international markets—especially where barriers still exist.
- Communicate & Educate – Pulse growers are asking for more communication and better educational opportunities. MPCC will meet that need with tailored learning resources, a stronger blog and social media presence, and collaboration with growing associations like Northern Pulse Growers Association (NPGA) and MSU Research Centers and MSU Extension to support producer focused education and share timely, relevant information.
- Innovate – No farmer wants to stay stuck in neutral. By investing in disease management, crop quality research, and partnerships to bring value-added processing to Montana, MPCC is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and profitable pulse industry.
This plan doesn’t just react to challenges—it tackles them head-on. It addresses market volatility, trade barriers, labor shortages, and changing consumer preferences. It envisions a future where Montana’s pulse crops feed the world, enrich our soils, and keep families on the land.
Montana farmers helped build this plan. And with their continued input and support, MPCC will make sure it delivers. And not just for today, but for the next generation of growers.
Let’s grow.
▶ Want to see where MPCC is headed—and how your checkoff dollars are working? Download and read the full 2025–2030 Strategic Plan HERE.
