Montana Pulse Days set in Bozeman next week

Press release

The Northern Pulse Growers Association is hosting Montana Pulse Days Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 13-14, at the GranTree Inn & Convention Center in Bozeman.

“This is an exciting time for the pulse industry in Montana and the United States, where many ideas and experiences will be shared,” a release about the event said. “There will also be many supporting industry representatives in attendance which is a valuable resource for producers and an opportunity for industry to meet producers and several opportunities to network, discuss what products and services might be offered in the upcoming year that are relevant and useful for your farming operation.”

The events Thursday, Nov. 13, will start with tours of Montana State University. MSU home to the Montana Pulse Breeding Program, Schutter Diagnostics Lab and Food Product Development Lab. The event has become a premier gathering place for industry representatives and producers of dry peas, lentils, chickpeas and fava beans.

The organizers said they anticipate a great turnout for the two-day event. NPGA and MSU have teamed up to bring three tours with researchers Kevin McPhee, Eva Grimme, David Wheeler and Wan-Yuan Kuo Nov. 13. The tours will provide pulse producers the opportunity to learn more about the pulse breeding program, disease prevention and how pulse products are being utilized at MSU.

Wednesday evening’s social will start at 5:30 followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and motivational speaker Bruce Vincent at 7 p.m.

Nov. 14, Thursday morning will kick off Montana Pulse day with a sunrise breakfast followed by a welcome from NPGA President Chris Westergard and congressional comments.

Mary Miles will inform attendees on the impact of midday lentil consumption followed by an update from USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council CEO Tim McGreevy. Weston Merrill from Montana Department of Agriculture give an update us on international trade and closing out the morning with information on the dilated cardiomyopathy issues will be Evy Jaconis. After lunch, Ed Davis will give a presentation on pre-plant weed control in pulses and topping off the day will be a panel of soil specialist moderated by Montana Ag Live host Jack Riesselman.