Pulses Update

Summary

Prices for peas are attracting interest and certified seed is in short supply.

Winter beans are still going in after the rain delays, and PGRO drilled them on 26/27 November.

Canada is bullish about their export pea crop, forecast to be 7% up on 2007, but sterling remains weak vs the CAD$.

Australian bean crops have been drought-affected again in NSW and South Australia, and yield predictions have been reduced by 42%, (see www.pulseaus.com.au/whats_new).

Feed Beans

Latest ex-farm prices are £97-102, so growers are mainly sitting tight. There’s some export to Spain & Italy, but the moisture problems aren’t helping either. There’s also a risk of stored crop failing the grade if they’re not shifted off farm. After the wet harvest, less Wizard than usual is making export quality grade, and staining problems will probably continue as storage is extended.

Export Beans

The North African market remains quiet and there are still contractual defaults to resolve after the steep price declines. Spring crop beans meeting HC moisture and colour standards will be in demand in the New Year - particularly if the above news from Australia is confirmed. The quality issues are also making bulk shipments more difficult to justify.

Marrowfats

Consumption and prices remain very encouraging for growers who have stuck with these crops after some difficult harvests. There is new interest and grower contracts are available. Quality and yields have been much better in 2008, and there are some improved new varieties on the latest Recommended List.

Blue Peas

Prices remain exceptionally high for the time being. Little movement reported on old crop and much of it is feed value only. However Canadian peas are £300 ex-store and of good colour suited to the specialised markets. UK peas making the colour/moisture grades are very attractive too at £240-250 ex-farm and growers are advised to seize the opportunity to sell. Certified pea seed is now at a premium as more growers consider them as a very viable spring option.

Agronomy notes

Winter bean plantings were later than usual in many areas due to the wet weather in late October and November. Some December plantings may be done in some areas, but beans sown after Christmas will be late maturing and tall with reduced branching.

Those planted in good time have emerged quickly and some have missed the timing for pre-emergence herbicides. There are, however, still opportunities for a post-emergence application of carbetamex.