farm406
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P R O D U C E R S P R O F I L E
STRICKS AG
STRICKS AG
BY SHANNON RUCKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC VISOCAN
HESTER, Mont. - The future is bright for pulse crops
grown in Montana's Golden Triangle, where wheat-
fallow rotations have traditionally taken center stage.
"Central and north central Montana is an untapped
viable region for growing peas and lentils," says Patrick
Wicks of Stricks Ag, a grain merchandising company in
Chester, Mont . "We have the perfect growing conditions
for pulse crops. Our climate is very compatible with peas
and lentils, and we can grow higher quality grains than
other areas."
Wicks, his wife, Whitney, and partners Tyler and Jillien
Streit, grew up farming in north central Montana. They
became interested in pulse crops when they took over
management of 200 acres in 2011 and saw an opportunity
in developing pulse crop markets.
"We took a look at our crop rotational systems," explains
Jillien. "We saw if we diversified into peas and lentils, we
could create income strength … We began looking for other
opportunities for our fallow acres."
Golden Triangle farm business develops pulse partnerships across industry
The Stricks Ag team (from left), Tyler and Jillien Streit,
Whitney and Patrick Wicks and Brad Kantorowicz stand
inside their pulse crop processing facility located in
Chester, Mont., which they plan to expand to offer
more storage options for packaged pulses.
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