Episode 10

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Published on:

6th Jul 2026

Building a Pulse Processing Business

Kevin Haas is a 3rd generation farmer based on his family farm near Jamestown, North Dakota. He’s been planting pulses since the early 1990’s, and currently grows peas, lentils, edible beans, corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and oats. Haas has been a strong advocate for the pulse industry for many years, having served in leadership roles for the Northern Pulse Growers Association, the North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Council, and USA Pulses. In 2004, he broke ground to start the construction of a processing plant specifically for pulse crops in Jamestown, ND. In this episode, Haas shares his experiences both growing pulse crops as a farmer and handling them as a processor and marketer with Legume Matrix.

“ I think we need to recognize that the consumer is a very important part of the equation. If the consumer is saying, "Hey, I want this, I'm willing to buy this," we need to pay attention to what they're telling us. And I think we need to educate ourselves in the standpoint of whoever your processor is, your elevator, or whoever you're working with, talk to them. See what markets you are finding success going into and then try to adapt what they're able to be successful at to fit your program in a sense, if it can. You know, I mean that middle ground where you can maintain those things that are really important and still at the end of the day, be able to supply that market with an acceptable product, but still on your own farm, being able to pay your bills and being profitable.” - Kevin Haas

This Week on Growing Pulse Crops:

  • Meet Kevin Haas, a processor and marketer with Legume Matrix and 3rd generation farmer in North Dakota
  • Discover the journey taken in creating Legume Matrix processing and the scope of product they manage
  • Understand the pulse industry impact from policy changes within government programs
  • Explore what Haas sees for the future of the pulse crop industry for producers

Growing Pulse Crops is produced by Dr. Audrey Kalil and hosted by Tim Hammerich of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.

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About the Podcast

Growing Pulse Crops
The science and business of farming field peas, chickpeas, and lentils
This show features the latest in research, agronomy, and economics of pulse crops (peas, chickpeas, lentils, etc.).

Demand for these nutrient-dense, high-protein foods continues to grow. There is also interest from farmers to include more pulses into diverse rotations for benefits like nitrogen fixation and soil health.

But the industry continues to face challenges, and we are eager to address these head on. So if you’re a pulse grower or in any way interested in these important crops, hit subscribe and stay tuned for future episodes. We’ll be back with plenty of information about challenges pulse farmers are facing throughout the U.S. and what solutions are working.

Brought to you by the Pulse Crops Working Group with support from the Northern Pulse Growers Association

About your host

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Tim Hammerich

I share stories about agriculture, agtech, and agribusiness on podcasts and radio.