WINNIPEG (CNS Canada) — Pulses have seen little movement in prices so far this winter, but two factors on the horizon could change that — road restrictions and spring seeding.
Dale McManus of Johnston Grains in Welwyn, Sask., pointed out that road restrictions will take effect in many regions toward the end of March.
“Normally, if you are in an area that is heavily restricted or you know you’re going to need cash, being a producer, you’re going to try move product,” he said.
As more pulses enter the commercial pipeline, that supply will likely push prices downward, and they won’t likely improve until spring seeding gets closer, he added.
Read Also
VIDEO: The Western Producer Markets Desk crop outlook for 2025
Watch this video for a 10-minute update of Prairie crop conditions and markets. Bruce Burnett, a weather and market analyst…
Then, he said, prices could rebound.
“To get producers to grow more large green lentils, they are probably going to knock it up a couple of cents to encourage growers to put it in the ground,” he said.
Large green lentils are around 22 cents per pound picked up at the farm, he said, adding the crop has slipped somewhat since the end of 2018.
Chickpeas are about 28 cents per lb., also picked up at the farm. That price has remained flat so far this year, he said.
Canaryseed gained two cents on Feb. 12 and was selling at 24 cents per lb., while yellow peas, until recently, had been at $7 per bushel, he said.
“They seemed to have slipped somewhat, at $6.75 to $6.90 per bu.,” McManus said.
