As of the 24th September it seems that the majority of pulse crops are harvested with perhaps 20-30% of the spring beans still to come in.
Of course these are largely crops north of the Midlands but in isolated cases further south there are crops still standing. The catchy weather has pushed back bean harvests at least 3 weeks compared to last year and has resulted in many cut crops with high moisture content.
Reports concerning yield have been mixed. Peas and beans in the far south east of the country have yielded less than average probably due to the heat and water stress experienced in the early July period.
Crops from the Midlands northwards have benefitted from the cooler summer months and minimal water deficit with many growers experiencing above average yields and in some instances extraordinary crops. It appears that the national crop will perform above average.
Mature bean crops that suffered repeated wetting and drying have withstood the conditions better than might have been feared. Bruchid damage has predictably been worse in the south than the north but generally lower than average. The result is a significant spread in quality with some clear definition between crops that will go for feed and the best for human consumption.
The recently published data for England, (from the DEFRA June census), suggests a 37% rise in pea area with a 59% rise for beans. Whilst in percentage terms these are large increases it must be remembered that the crop areas have been recovering from an historic low and are still behind the areas sown just 5 years ago and considerably behind that of 15 years ago. In 2015 the combined pulse area grown is quoted at 206,000ha, whereas in 2009 this stood at circa 220,000ha and in 2001 circa 270,000ha.
France
The French bean crop performed significantly worse than average in 2015. Drought and heat conspired to reduce average yield and the issues with Bruchid beetle remain serious for cosmetic appearance. Exports from France were down 21% year on year and there is unlikely to be a turnaround this year. Pea production in France has increased and there is a growing realisation that Winter peas are better performing option for areas of northern France.
Other EU
Yields and quality appear to have been good. These production areas look set to compete long term.
Canada
Post-harvest quality issues and a continuation of logistical problems are creating uncertainty with buyers and driving increased Far East enquiries in the UK for Marrow fat and blue peas.
Egypt
Buyers continue to be thwarted in their desire by the lack of hard currency. Importers are unable to clear bulk vessels and instead have to commit to smaller consignments in containers. Alternative sources of European and Canadian origin are also competing with UK grown produce. Currency issues will have a significant impact on the forward market.
Sudan
Demand is good and trade is brisk.
Australia
Latest indications are that faba bean crops look good and that a relatively large crop will become available after harvest.
Feed beans
The base value of feed beans has continued to follow other commodities in particular wheat. With wheat hovering at just under £100/tonne the premiums for feed beans continue to hold at circa £25/t ex farm. These prices are considerably less than from recent harvests but the premiums over wheat are maintained and simply reflect the decreased value put on all commodity grains at this time.
Those with beans of moisture content over the contracted norm of 15% will have little chance of meeting the human consumption market until they are dry and must focus on maintaining quality in the drying process.
With a larger crop and significant availability beans are now an attractive prospect for feed and buyers have been actively committing to the market. This is good news for growers demonstrating that there is a market for this produce and whilst prices are lower the outlet for beans is a secure one for harvests ahead. The trade remains enthusiastic and optimistic.
Human consumption beans
Hard currency availability is limiting the opportunity for bulk vessel shipments to Egypt at the present time. If and when this will ease is uncertain. There is sufficient UK crop of good quality to meet potential demand but with the issues of payment a concern with Egypt it is possible that the UK will ship less produce this year. Added to this is increased production from Central Europe and the Baltic States offered at a lower price. Values are holding up where export opportunities arise and a premium of circa £25/t over feed beans might be anticipated (Circa £160 delivered). Trade in markets taking containerised product as opposed to bulk vessels remains brisk.
Combining Peas
Marrowfat pea values remain good (circa £300/t) and taken as whole harvest has been the best since 2011 with many crops delivering >6t/ha, typically an average being 3.4t/ha. A small carryover of produce is likely before the arrival of crop 2016 but this is a desirable situation ensuring continuity of supply to buyers of UK produced peas. Colour and quality has been good with earlier harvested crops being the best. Pea moth has been significantly less of a problem but remains an issue and growers must remember to pay attention to this easily controlled pest in order to maintain values.
Large blue peas appear to be in over supply. Produce has been of good quality but in recent years markets have moved away through lack of availability and it may be a while before they return realising a new supply situation. Potential export opportunities may open up with continuing issues and concerns surrounding Canadian suppliers. Values for feed are discounted to beans by circa £5/t and best quality samples for human consumption command a premium of £30-£40 which is approximately the historical norm, giving a value ex farm of circa £150/t).
