Peas, Dry Beans, Lentils and Chickpeas
Montana's Pulse Power Play
Pulses are a leguminous crop that are harvested solely for the dry seed. Dried beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses. These little nutrition nuggets play a huge role in healthy diets in countries all over the world. They also are a powerful versatile crop the Montana farmers can use to promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and generate income from local and global markets.
Health
- Pulses are a source of plant based proteins, amino acids, antioxidants, fiber and essential nutrients like Iron, Potassium and Folate.
- Pulses are low fat, cholesterol free, sodium free and gluten free.
- When eaten regularly, pulses may help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Economy
- In Montana, farmers have incorporated pulse crops into their crop rotations to reduce the amount of land left fallow (idle). Pulse crop acres have increased from 350,000 in 2009 to over 800,000 in 2015.
- In 2011, Montana took the lead in U.S. pulse crop acreage. As of today, Montana retains its leadership position in pulse production, selling markets through the nation and in India, Japan, and many other countries around the world.
- Potential exists for substantial growth of the pulse industry in Montana in the coming years. If additional acres of pulse crops were grown on 25% of Montana’s fallow cropland (approximately 900,000 acres) the annual benefit to Montana's economy could exceed $240 million. As the pulse industry grows, Montana communities will benefit from job creation and increased economic activity resulting from additional in-state processing.
Because Montana’s economy, farmers, and communities have so much to gain from expanded pulse production, the Montana Department of Agriculture seeks to help increase growers’ understanding of pulse crops, marketing opportunities, and profit potential. The department works to attract more buyers and processors and encourage the expansion of existing companies, with the goals of increasing delivery points and in-state processing so that Montana farmers benefit from a strong marketplace.
Put Montana Pulses On Your Plate, In Your Field, and In Your Pocketbook Today!
Buyers
Interested in buying pulse products from our Montana farmers? Check out the Montana's Pulse Potential page to get connected with Pulse Farmers across the state of Montana.
Producers
Are you ready to incorporate pulses into your farm portfolio? Check out the Marketing and Production Info page for information on how to make pulses part of your product diversification strategy.
Consumers
Do pulses sound like a delicious way to improve your health? Check out the Why Pulses Are Super Foods page to learn how to cook with pulses and make them part of your healthy lifestyle. Share your pulse pics, recipes, and more using these Pulse #Hastags: #lovepulses #healthy #recipe #pulses #MTag
Montana Pulse Advisory Committee
The Montana Pulse Market Development Program was created by a vote of Montana pea, lentil and chickpea producers following a process outlined in the Agricultural Commodity Research and Market Development Enabling Act. Check out the Montana Pulse Advisory Committee page to learn more about the committee and what they do to address Montana's pulse industry needs and opportunities.
Related Links
Pulse Crop News
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