<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=28PpPK_1GpSdjZx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=28PpPK_1GpSdjZx00" width="2048" height="1152" ></figure>Across the rolling hills of the Palouse and Camas Prairie, some of the region’s smallestcrops are making a significant impact on localagriculture, trade, and economy.In a region known for golden wheat fields andgrain-laden ports, chickpeas, dry peas, lentils, and dry beans – collectively known as pulses –are an integral part of the agriculturalbackbone. From boosting the economy toenriching the soils, pulses are the lesser knowncommodity that pays dividends to farmers.“We export pulses to 40 different countries and across the United States,” said Shawn O’Connell, CEO of Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative, a 1,200-member collective of growers. “We have the right soil, the right conditions.”Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are the most common pulse crop grown in the region, followed by lentils. While much of the area's crop is sent overseas, those who enjoy hummus can take satisfaction in knowing thatSabra hummus, sold in grocery stores nationwide, sources 100% of its chickpeas from the Pacific Northwest.“There’s definitely a strong overseas market,” said O’Connell. “But with a growing vegetarianpopulation, there is more call for plant-based meat-substitutes, and pulses are the basis formost of those.”Pulses are more than just an additional crop and avenue for revenue; one of their greatest advantages lies beneath the ground. An important part of farming is crop rotation—growing different types of crops in a planned sequence. Pulses are vital because their roots help to bring more nitrogen into the soil,enriching it naturally.“It also breaks up the disease cycle,” added O’Connell. “Mother Nature is a big help. We just take advantage of the benefits offered.”Still, harvesting is the ultimate goal for any crop, and bringing pulses in from the fields is a crucial step in their journey to market. In the Palouse region, the process from harvest to export involves a complex interplay of logistics,capacity, workforce, and market price.“I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years,” said O’Connell, who has been involved in PNW farming since 1992. “Our focus is creating the most reliable market access for our members.”Prior to 2015 when labor issues halted container traffic on the rivers, barging was the most efficient way to get pulses to market. Now, farmers use a combination of rail and truck.“Rail is complicated, and truck has completely different challenges,” said O’Connell. “It’s constantly changing, and we have to consider all avenues to get the most efficient method for our members.”Rail is preferred due to cost efficiency. To convert one rail car headed to Richmond, Virginia (home to Sabra’s headquarters) would require five semitrucks, at a cost difference of $13,000 on rail to nearly $35,000 for truck. Rail’s relative efficiency makes it worth the effort ofmanaging relationships with Class 1 rail companies (Union Pacific and BNSF), limited capacity at elevators and ports, and an everchanging market. Trucks are still a keycomponent, largely used to bridge the gap between farms, short-line rail, and coastal ports.It sounds complicated because it is, but to O’Connell, it’s just farming.“We are used to change, juggling everything from planting through harvest,” he said. “You start with a healthy seed, and see it through to export. It’s all part of producing the best product, and getting the best return for our members."</div></body>

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Across the rolling hills of the Palouse and Camas Prairie, some of the region’s smallestcrops are making a significant impact on localagriculture, trade, and economy.In a region known for golden wheat fields andgrain-laden ports, chickpeas, dry peas, lentils, and dry beans – collectively known as pulses –are an integral part of the agricultural.

Pulses on the Prairie – Crops with Deep Roots

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Across the rolling hills of the Palouse and Camas Prairie, some of the region’s smallestcrops are making a significant impact on localagriculture, trade, a

Pulses on the Prairie – Crops with Deep Roots

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