Remembering Gordon Stoner

A Legacy of Leadership in the Pulse Industry

The Northern Pulse Growers Association joins the agricultural community in remembering Gordon Stoner, a longtime producer, industry leader and advocate whose influence helped shape the pulse industry in Montana and across the United States.

Gordon, a fourth-generation farmer from northeastern Montana, was among the early producers willing to take a chance on pulse crops when peas and lentils were still relatively new to the region. Years before pulses became a major part of Montana agriculture, Gordon saw their potential—not only as another marketing opportunity, but as an important part of a sustainable crop rotation.

An early Northern Pulse Growers newsletter told Gordon's story as a producer who began

growing pulses when markets were less established, crop insurance and farm-program

protections were limited, and delivery options were far from what growers have today. As a no-till farmer, he saw firsthand the agronomic benefits pulses could bring to his operation, including reduced fertilizer needs, improved soil characteristics and benefits to subsequent wheat crops.

But Gordon's contribution went far beyond his own farm.

As Montana's pulse industry grew, Gordon became one of the producers helping build the

organizations, policies and relationships needed to move the industry forward. He served in

leadership roles with the Montana Pulse Crop Committee and the USA Dry Pea and Lentil

Council, including service at the national level, where he helped bring the perspective of

Montana growers into broader discussions about research, markets and agricultural policy.

Gordon was also a strong advocate in Washington, D.C. His agricultural leadership extended into national policy discussions through organizations including the National Association of Wheat Growers and the U.S. Wheat Associates Joint International Trade Policy Committee. His work included advocacy on issues ranging from research funding and market access to international trade.

Those contributions were recognized by his fellow pulse growers in 2023, when the Northern

Pulse Growers Association presented Gordon with its Grower Excellence Award. The award

recognized his years of leadership, service and commitment specifically to the pulse industry.

Two years later, Gordon received one of Montana agriculture's highest honors. In 2025, Montana State University's College of Agriculture named him its Outstanding Agricultural Leader, recognizing a career of service that extended across pulse crops, grain production, research, agricultural policy and his community.

In announcing the award, those who worked alongside Gordon described a leader who did more than represent agriculture—he invested in the people around him. He mentored growers and industry leaders, developed strong relationships with researchers and Extension professionals, and consistently worked to make sure producers had access to the information and tools they needed.

Perhaps that is one of the most important pieces of Gordon's legacy.

Today's pulse industry in Montana looks very different from the one Gordon entered decades

ago. Peas, lentils and chickpeas have become established crops. Research programs have

expanded. Crop insurance and risk-management tools have developed. Markets and processing opportunities have grown. Montana has become one of the most important pulse-producing regions in the country.

That progress did not happen on its own.

It was built by producers willing to plant a new crop, ask difficult questions, serve on boards and committees, travel to meetings, advocate for research and policy, mentor the next generation and keep working when the industry was still finding its footing.

Gordon Stoner was one of those producers.

For the Northern Pulse Growers Association, Gordon's legacy is particularly meaningful. He understood that strong grower organizations depend upon producers who are willing to lead—not for recognition, but because they believe agriculture and the next generation of growers will be stronger for their involvement.

His leadership helped lay a foundation that today's pulse growers continue to build upon.

The Northern Pulse Growers Association extends its deepest condolences to Gordon's wife,

Bonnie, their family, friends and the many producers and agricultural leaders who had the

privilege of working alongside him.

We are grateful for Gordon's service to our organization, to the pulse industry and to agriculture.

His leadership will be remembered. His impact will continue to be felt across Montana and

far beyond.

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