U.S. agriculture is entering a moment of recalibration. In 2025, producers across the Northern Plains and Mountain West cut back on wheat, barley, and canola while boosting pulse plantings, particularly lentils. The shift reflects changing global demand, input costs, and climate realities—and it points to a new direction for America’s dryland farms.
U.S. Crop Acreage Trends: A Snapshot of Change
According to the USDA’s June 2025 Acreage Report, total U.S. wheat acreage declined to 45.5 million acres, down 1 percent from the year prior. Spring wheat acreage fell 5 percent, and durum wheat ticked up slightly by 2 percent. Barley hit a new record low of 2.32 million acres, while canola fell more than 13 percent to 2.39 million acres, one of the steepest declines in recent years.
Meanwhile, pulse crops saw continued gains. Lentil acreage rose by nearly 8 percent, dry peas by over 11 percent, and chickpeas by 7 percent. Together, total pulse acreage increased more than 9 percent year-over-year, with Montana again leading the nation in planted acres. These figures highlight a significant trend: American farmers are responding to the economic and agronomic advantages of pulses.
Table 1: U.S. Crop Acreage Trends (2024–2025)
| Crop | 2024 (Million Acres) | 2025 (Million Acres) | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat (All) | 46.1 | 45.5 | -1.3% |
| Spring Wheat | 10.6 | 10.0 | -5.0% |
| Durum Wheat | 2.06 | 2.11 | +2.4% |
| Barley | 2.37 | 2.32 | -2.1% |
| Canola | 2.75 | 2.39 | -13.1% |
Why Pulses Are Gaining Ground
Several forces are converging to push pulses into the spotlight. Global demand is climbing—particularly in India, North Africa, and the Middle East, where pulses are dietary staples. U.S. pulses, especially lentils and dry peas, are seen as clean, reliable, and consistent in quality.
At the same time, the economics are hard to ignore. Pulses require less water, fertilizer, and fuel than wheat or canola. On dryland acres in Montana, they’re increasingly profitable—even when commodity prices are flat. In some cases, gross margins per acre on lentils now rival or exceed those for spring wheat.
Water, Weather, and Rotation
Farmers also appreciate what pulses do for the land. They add nitrogen to the soil, help break weed and disease cycles, and mature early—making them ideal for rotation systems and variable climates. With drought conditions still affecting parts of the northern U.S., pulse crops are seen as both a low-risk and high-reward choice.
By contrast, barley and canola have proven more vulnerable. Both crops require stable moisture during flowering and grain fill—conditions that have been hard to come by. With stagnating prices and increasing weather risks, many growers are opting out.
Investor Implications: Following the Acreage
- Pulse Processing and Exports: A Quiet Boom
Facilities that clean, split, and bag pulses—especially in Montana—are expanding. Companies like AGT Foods, Columbia Grain, and others are poised to benefit from the steady rise in acreage and demand. International buyers increasingly view the U.S. as a key supplier. - Barley and Canola: A Tough Sell
Barley’s continued slide puts pressure on malt houses and regional buyers. Without new market development, these acres may not rebound. Canola’s U.S. acreage is modest compared to Canada’s, and without competitive pricing or domestic processing expansion, it could keep falling. - Wheat: Still a Giant, But Shrinking
Wheat remains dominant but is trending downward. Spring wheat in particular faces stiff global competition and tighter margins. Without stronger market signals or policy support, its share of U.S. cropland may continue to shrink.
The Bottom Line
U.S. farmers are voting with their planters, and the message is clear: pulses are gaining, while traditional small grains are in decline. The rise of pulses reflects changing global dynamics, economic realities, and weather risk mitigation strategies.
For investors, that means it’s time to look beyond corn and soybeans. Lentils, dry peas, and chickpeas may not yet be the headline commodities—but they are quickly becoming the backbone of an export-ready, climate-resilient rotation system.
▶ Are you considering adding pulses to your rotation? Contact the Montana Pulse Crop Committee to learn more about agronomic support, market opportunities, and checkoff-funded programs that can help you succeed.
