Montana Pulse Crop Committee Welcomes Sheridan County Producer Tanner Jorgensen

August 7, 2026

The Governor’s office  has appointed fourth-generation Sheridan County producer Tanner Jorgensen to the Montana Pulse Crop Committee (MPCC). Jorgensen fills an eastern district seat, succeeding longtime board member Paul Kanning.

Operating near Dagmar in northeastern Montana, Jorgensen raises green peas,  durum, spring wheat, barley, and oilseeds alongside his parents, Tom and Jandy Jorgensen. A 2018 graduate of Montana State University with a degree in Agricultural Business (Farm and Ranch Management concentration), Jorgensen laid the groundwork for his farming career early through an FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project that ultimately funded his college education

Today, Jorgensen brings a sharp focus on continuous improvement, soil health, and production efficiency to the state checkoff organization. His return to the family operation highlights the vital role next-generation producers play in keeping Montana at the forefront of pulse crop production nationwide.

"Tanner brings a valuable perspective to the board, combining a deep respect for his family's farming legacy with a forward-thinking approach to agronomy, business, and leadership," said MPCC Chair Brian Aklestad. "As pulse crops continue to serve as a cornerstone for dryland crop rotations across Montana, having young, high-caliber leaders like Tanner at the table ensures our checkoff investments remain sharp, effective, and focused on grower profitability. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Paul Canning for his years of dedicated service and steady leadership on behalf of Montana's pulse producers."

In addition to managing his own leased ground and collaborating on the family operation, Jorgensen has been an active voice on farm succession and next-generation agricultural leadership in dryland farming communities.

"Pulse crops have transformed soil health and economic resilience for farms in northeastern Montana and across the state," said Jorgensen. "Growing up in FFA and stepping into leadership roles early taught me that standing still isn't an option in agriculture. I’m honored to join the Montana Pulse Crop Committee to help ensure our growers have the research, market access, and practical tools needed to keep raising the bar."

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee directs checkoff funds toward research, market development, and educational initiatives to support pulse growers across the nation’s top pulse-producing state.

Source: MPCC