With the Trump Administration having taken shape in Washington D.C., Montana’s pulse crop farmers are keeping a close eye on the agricultural policy landscape. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poised to influence health and food-related decisions—possibly even touching on agriculture through his role as Secretary of Health and Human Services—there’s a buzz about what this could ultimately mean for farming practices, especially when it comes to petrochemical use. Kennedy’s vocal advocacy for reducing chemical inputs and promoting regenerative agriculture has sparked both curiosity and concern. For Montana’s wheat and pulse crop growers, this moment offers a chance to think about where we are and where we might be headed.
Kennedy’s Plan and Petrochemicals: Reading Between the Lines
Kennedy has made no secret of his disdain for the heavy reliance on petrochemicals in modern agriculture. During his confirmation hearings in early 2025, he emphasized his desire to transition away from chemical-intensive farming, arguing that pesticides and fertilizers harm soil health and contribute to chronic diseases in rural communities. He’s called for incentives to shift farmers away from petrochemicals and toward more regenerative practices—such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and reduced synthetic inputs—rather than imposing strict regulations. Kennedy won’t have direct authority over the USDA, but his influence could ripple through federal agencies like the FDA and EPA, potentially reshaping policies around petrochemical use.
If we read between the lines, Kennedy’s vision aligns with a broader push to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA), a campaign that ties human health to soil health. He’s hinted at banning certain agricultural chemicals already prohibited in other countries and redirecting subsidies to favor regenerative methods. For Montana farmers accustomed to conventional wheat production, this could signal a seismic shift. Those who don’t already use regenerative agriculture may soon find themselves needing to learn more about its value—not just for compliance, but for staying competitive in a changing market.
Regenerative Agriculture in Montana: Where Are We Now?
Montana’s wheat farmers are no strangers to innovation, but regenerative agriculture isn’t yet the norm. According to the USDA’s 2017 Census of Agriculture (the most comprehensive recent data available), only about 10-15% of wheat acres in the U.S. are managed using key regenerative practices like no-till or cover cropping. In Montana, where wheat reigns as a top crop, the adoption rate is likely similar, though higher by now. However, exact statewide figures are harder to pin down. A 2021 survey by the Montana Organic Association suggested that fewer than 20% of the state’s grain farmers fully embrace regenerative systems, with many citing costs, learning curves, and uncertain yields as barriers.
Pulse crops—lentils, chickpeas, and dry peas—offer a bright spot. Montana leads the nation in pulse production, with over a million acres harvested annually, according to the Montana Department of Agriculture. These crops are already a valuable tool in the regenerative agriculture equation. As most already know, they fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, and their deep roots improve soil structure and water retention. Farmers rotating pulses with wheat often see healthier soils and lower input costs over time—hallmarks of regenerative success.
The Value of Pulse Crops in a Regenerative Future
If Washington D.C. moves to curb petrochemical use, pulse crops could become even more critical. For many of Montana’s wheat farmers who are not yet fully on the regenerative bandwagon, pulses offer a practical entry point. They’re a natural fit for diversifying rotations, breaking pest and disease cycles, and building resilience against drought—a growing concern as climate patterns shift. Studies from Montana State University show that wheat yields can increase by 10-20% following a pulse crop, thanks to improved soil fertility, all without leaning heavily on chemical inputs.
Kennedy’s push, if it gains traction, might nudge federal support toward practices that favor pulses. Imagine cost-share programs for cover crops or expanded markets for regenerative-grown lentils. For farmers who’ve relied on petrochemicals to manage weeds and boost yields, this could be a wake-up call to explore how pulses fit into a less chemical-dependent system.
What’s Next for Montana Farmers?
The Trump Administration’s direction is still taking shape, and Kennedy’s influence still remains uncertain. Will his ideas clash with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ priorities, or will they find common ground? EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s confirmation hearing did not address agricultural chemicals, indicating that Kennedy’s influence on pesticide regulation may be indirect at best. Also, the Trump administration’s focus on deregulation and budget cuts (e.g., NIH funding reduced by $31 million for autism research) may hinder Kennedy’s ability to secure funding for regenerative incentives. Further, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (H.R.1), which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22, 2025, does not allocate new funding specifically for regenerative agriculture incentives.
Reading between the lines of recent news, it’s clear that Montana’s pulse and wheat farmers should stay informed. Those not yet using regenerative methods might need to weigh the value of adapting—both for their bottom line and the land they steward. Pulse crops, already a Montana staple, could be the bridge to that future, offering a way to thrive amid policy shifts.
For now, the Montana Pulse Crop Committee encourages growers to connect with local extension services, attend workshops, and share knowledge. Regenerative agriculture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a strategy that’s worked for centuries, and with pulses in our toolkit, we’re well positioned to lead.
▶ Interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture and how it might work for you? Stay tuned to the Montana Pulse Crop Committee blog and social media for more information.
