Episode 8

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Published on:

15th Jun 2026

Selecting Pulse Genetics to Build New Markets

Kurt Braunwart is the managing owner of Progene Plant Research, a genetic research-based company bringing new innovations and old uses to current varieties in the market. The company is known for their spring and winter pea program, as well as their work in oats and triticale. Braunwart discusses his career in this industry, how he started and built Progene, how he identifies oddball traits that can have mainstream applications, some of the differences and similarities between spring and winter peas, and his hopes for the future as he transitions the company over to new ownership. He began his career as a fieldman for Rogers Seed Company in 1974 in Twin Falls, Idaho. In 1980, he moved to Colfax, Washington, as Plant Manager and later to Othello, Washington, as Operations Manager. In 1995, he purchased and carried forward a dry pea breeding program from Rogers Seed Company. This business became ProGene Plant Research in 1996.

“ What we were finding through the whole team was that we've got ways to improve the roots of those peas, to contribute back to soil health. And that yes, we can do that with spring peas, but we can do it way better with winter peas because their ratio of roots to top growth is more roots than in spring peas.” - Kurt Braunwart

This Week on Growing Pulse Crops:

  • Meet Kurt Braunwart, the managing owner of Progene Plant Research
  • Discover the creation and mission of Progene
  • Explore the differences and similarities between spring and winter peas
  • Learn where he sees the future of crop development

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.