MarketsFarm — While dry conditions persist across the Prairies, the current situation for pulses is not as bad as during the two previous springs, according to Pulse Canada’s director of market access and trade policy.
Mac Ross said dryness is largely evident across Western Canada and many crops are still below their five-year averages for planting progress. However, conditions this year are still better than the wet, cool ones in 2022 and those fueled by drought in 2021.
“Rain has been pretty minimal across the growing region in Western Canada the last two months. It’s a little worrisome,” Ross said. “However, we are in better conditions than last year, even though it’s dry.”
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Recent rains in northern Alberta have not only helped alleviate ongoing wildfires in the area, but have also reduced potential damage to the region’s pulse crops, he added.
“Heavy smoke across the Prairies can slow crop development and progress. Obviously, we’re looking to hopefully have some more rain to provide some more relief.”
Lentils and dry peas, the two largest crops under Pulse Canada’s umbrella, are expected to see small shifts in production for 2023-24 at 2.4 million and 3.25 million tonnes, respectively, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) May principal field crop estimates. However, exports are slated to decline slightly this year to 2.1 million and 2.6 million tonnes, respectively.
“(Pea) exports have been strong, but behind the five-year average to date,” Ross said, adding that the yellow pea market has been very quiet.
“On lentils, (they) have a really strong export pace to date, well above the five-year average…Overall, I we’re seeing increasing demand globally and here in Canada.”
He hopes trade between Canada and India will become more reliable this summer.
“It’s a major priority for our sector and for our organization. It’s something we are engaging and advocating for with our federal government. It’s something we’ll be actively engaged in throughout the summer,” Ross said.
— Adam Peleshaty reports for MarketsFarm from Stonewall, Man.
