Why More U.S. Farmers Are Betting Big on Pulse Crops

May 15, 2026

Global buyers, processors, exporters, and growers gathered this week in Orlando for Pulses 26, and for North Dakota farmer Bob Finken, the event highlighted just how much opportunity still exists for U.S. pulse growers around the world.

Finken, vice chair of the North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Council and a member of USA Pulses, says bringing international buyers together on U.S. soil creates valuable opportunities for farmers and the entire pulse supply chain.

“It is really a unique opportunity to bring especially all these international buyers together in one place,” Finken said. “With a lot of the people in the U.S. pulse industry… and even some dirt-under-the-fingernail farmers like me.”

Finken has been growing pulse crops for roughly 30 years and says he originally became interested because of both market opportunities and the agronomic benefits pulse crops provide.

“I’m the type that’s always looking for opportunities,” he explained. “I’m not afraid to try new things.”

While early production came with challenges, Finken says advancements in equipment, varieties, and crop management have transformed the industry.

“The equipment is so much better. The varieties are better,” he said. “I like growing peas because they’re good for the soil.”

One of the biggest benefits, he says, is the crop’s ability to naturally fix nitrogen in the soil—an increasingly valuable advantage as fertilizer costs continue climbing.

“They take nitrogen out of the air and supply themselves with nitrogen, as well as fix it in the soil for the next year’s crop,” Finken explained.

With fertilizer prices remaining elevated, Finken says pulse crops are becoming even more attractive for producers looking to manage input costs.

“Especially now with the high cost of nitrogen fertilizer, it makes it kind of a game changer,” he said. “It’s really, really a benefit.”

Finken says international buyers continue seeking out U.S.-grown pulse crops because of their strong reputation for quality and consistency.

“The U.S. is known for quality and consistency,” he said. “Especially in the northern tier of the U.S., it’s ideal growing conditions for pulse crops.”

Beyond profitability and agronomics, Finken believes pulse crops also play an important role in feeding a growing global population.

“They’re very nutritious, sustainable crops,” he said. “Not everyone in the world has the economic ability to have meat protein, so peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans are really a great worldwide staple food.”

Industry leaders attending Pulses 26 say growing global demand, strong export relationships, and the agronomic advantages of pulse crops continue creating new opportunities for U.S. farmers both at home and abroad.

Source: Western Ag Network