Northern Pulse Growers Association

10/19/2026

These valuable partnerships help Northern Pulse Growers Association advance research, education, and advocacy efforts that make a meaningful difference for the pulse producers we serve.

For our growers, these investments mean stronger representation, access to valuable resources, expanded market opportunities, and a stronger future for pulse production.

We appreciate the continued support and investment of the Montana Pulse Crop Committee and our industry stakeholders.

Together, we continue to move our industry forward!

Where do your pulse checkoff dollars go?

For 2025–26, more than $3.55 million in producer-funded checkoff dollars was allocated through partners working on behalf of Montana pulse growers.

Those investments help expand markets, support research and innovation, and provide education and industry resources that no single producer could fund alone.

As Montana grower Todd Hansen put it:

“As a grower, we pool all the money — the checkoff dollars — and if you were to do it individually, you would never get anywhere. By pooling it, we can actually move the needle a little bit in whatever direction we choose.”

The graphic shows where those dollars were allocated — and the organizations helping put Montana producer investments to work.

Producer-funded. Farmer-led. Your checkoff at work.

10/18/2026

🌱 Investing in Agricultural Research Is Investing in Our Future.

U.S. Senator John Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, highlights the importance of continued support for agricultural research and technology in this editorial.

For pulse producers in Montana and North Dakota, investments in research and innovation are essential to improving productivity, addressing production challenges, strengthening competitiveness, and creating new opportunities.

At Northern Pulse Growers Association, we recognize the value of research that delivers practical solutions for growers today while preparing our industry for tomorrow.

📖 Read Senator Boozman's editorial:
https://www.inforum.com/opinion/letters/letter-we-must-continue-supporting-ag-research-and-tech

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., writes about a recent visit to North Dakota.

10/16/2026

🔬 What happens when you submit a pulse sample?

It becomes part of a much bigger picture.

Samples collected from growers help researchers evaluate this year’s crop for characteristics such as:

• Protein
• Moisture
• Starch
• Seed size and weight
• Water absorption
• Cooking quality
• Functional food characteristics

The results contribute to the annual U.S. Pulse Quality Survey, providing valuable information to buyers, food manufacturers, exporters, researchers and plant breeders.

It starts with growers — and a sample from your farm.

📦 Learn how to participate:

"NPGA Pulse Quality Survey"
https://www.northernpulsegrowers.org/pulse-quality-survey

10/15/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE | Growing Pulse Crops Podcast

🌱 Exploring Organic Pulses & New Market Opportunities

What does it take to successfully incorporate organic pulse crops into a conventional farming operation?

Fifth-generation farmer Aaron Flansburg of Palouse, Washington, shares his experience growing organic peas, lentils, and chickpeas alongside conventional crops.

From rethinking tillage practices and bringing back the swather to exploring niche markets and growing pardina lentils, Aaron discusses the challenges, investments, and opportunities that come with trying something new.

💬 One of his biggest takeaways? His organic acres proved to be his most profitable last year.

🎧 Tune in to hear how one producer is finding new opportunities through innovation and diversification.

🔗 Listen here: https://growingpulsecrops.com

10/13/2026

USDA PULSE PLC PAYMENTS ARE NOW BEING ISSUED

USDA announced on October 7 that approximately $13.8 billion in gross 2025 ARC/PLC payments are being issued to eligible producers nationwide.

All four pulse crop categories triggered 2025 PLC payments

Final 2025 PLC Payment Rates:

🟢 Dry Peas — $2.00/cwt

🟢 Lentils — $3.87/cwt

🟢 Large Chickpeas — $2.38/cwt

🟢 Small Chickpeas — $8.89/cwt

What growers need to know:

✅ For 2025 only, producers automatically receive the higher ARC or PLC benefit, regardless of their original program election.

✅ Payments are based on eligible base acres, program yields, and farm interests—not necessarily what was planted in 2025.

✅ Payments are subject to applicable payment limitations and a 5.7% sequestration reduction.

✅ Payments are being issued as USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) calculations are completed.

📌 Don't forget: Enrollment for the 2026 ARC/PLC program remains open!

Producers with questions about their payments, base acres, or program yields should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/

Northern Pulse Growers Association | Keeping Growers Informed

10/13/2026

🌾 Celebrating the Farmers Behind Every Harvest

National Farmers Day may have been yesterday, but our appreciation for the hardworking men and women of agriculture extends well beyond a single day.

Across Montana and North Dakota, our pulse growers dedicate their time, resources, and livelihoods to producing the dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and other crops that help feed families around the world.

Farming is more than a profession. It's a commitment to the land, a way of life, and a legacy passed from one generation to the next.

To our farmers and farm families — thank you for all you do, every single day.

From all of us at Northern Pulse Growers Association. 💚

10/10/2026

🌎 NPGA TRADE WATCH | October 9

Several new developments in global pulse markets are worth watching for Montana and North Dakota growers!

🇨🇦 CANADA: A smaller pea and lentil harvest, along with heavy September rainfall affecting chickpeas, could influence global supplies and create opportunities for competing origins.

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA: Chickpea production expectations have weakened, while lentil prospects are stronger—creating two very different market outlooks.

🇮🇳 INDIA: Following an uneven monsoon, India is considering lowering import duties on yellow peas and lentils to increase supplies. However, U.S.–India trade negotiations have stalled, and no new pulse-specific tariff reduction has been confirmed.

🥣 USDA PURCHASES: USDA procurement records show activity under a dry bean, pea and lentil solicitation. This is an encouraging step as the industry tracks implementation of USDA's previously announced $50 million commitment for split peas, lentils and chickpeas.

🚢 FREIGHT WATCH: Black Sea uncertainty and Red Sea shipping disruptions continue to influence international pulse trade and the competitiveness of competing suppliers.

BOTTOM LINE: The global pulse outlook is shifting. Smaller Canadian supplies, reduced Australian chickpea prospects and India's import needs could create opportunities for Northern Tier growers. But stronger prices will depend on how those developments translate into actual U.S. sales, export movement and buyer bids at home.

NPGA continues monitoring trade policy, global supply and demand, USDA purchases and transportation developments affecting our producers.

Sources: USDA, USTR, Global Pulse Confederation and Reuters. Information current as of October 9, 2026.

10/09/2026

🚜 Federal Dyed-Diesel Relief Now in Effect — Here’s What Growers Need to Know

President Trump has signed an Executive Order providing temporary federal relief allowing red-dyed diesel to be used on highways without federal dyed-fuel penalties through December 31, 2026.

The action is intended to provide immediate fuel-cost relief for farmers during harvest and fall fieldwork.

🔹 Federal penalty relief began October 5
🔹 Federal diesel excise tax payment is being deferred, with additional guidance forthcoming
🔹 USDA is working with cooperatives, rural fuel distributors and farm suppliers to help ensure adequate dyed-diesel supplies in agricultural areas
🔹 State rules still matter and may differ from federal requirements

NPGA is monitoring implementation and will share additional information as it becomes available.

Link to White House fact sheet: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/10/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-promotes-diesel-affordability/

10/07/2026

It’s great to see Montana pulse growers represented in India this week!

Montana Pulse Crop Committee Chairman Brian Aklestad is joining Governor Greg Gianforte’s trade delegation, helping build relationships and explore opportunities for Montana-grown pulses—including value-added pulse proteins and products.

Check out Brian’s conversation with Western Ag Network for an update from India and a look at the opportunities being discussed.

👇 See the full interview below.

10/07/2026

🌱 Bringing Pulse Grower Priorities to the Farm Bill Table

Today, Northern Pulse Growers Association had the opportunity to participate in a Farm Bill roundtable in Fargo with Senator John Hoeven and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman.

NPGA Executive Director Shannon Berndt shared priorities important to dry pea, lentil and chickpea growers across Montana and North Dakota, including:

🔹️Strong farm safety net, crop insurance & risk management tools 🔹️International market development and trade opportunities
🔹️The impact of rising input costs on producer profitability

These conversations matter. As work continues on the next Farm Bill, NPGA will continue making sure northern pulse growers have a voice at the table.

Thank you to Senator John Hoeven and Senator John Boozman for coming to Fargo and hearing directly from producers and agricultural organizations across the region.