Canadian Foodgrains Bank | Among poor performing crops, lentils stand out
The crops in this year’s Canadian Foodgrains Bank growing projects are a mixed bag of good and bad yields and quality.
In Saskatchewan, yields from the 32 projects are variable.
For example, Hard Red Spring wheat ranges from feed to No. 1 and high protein and yields of 30 to 70 bushels per acre, said Dave Meier, regional co-ordinator.
“A couple of the bright spots are the projects with lentils,” he said.
“Three projects have lentils and they look like they will turn a pretty good yield.”
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Meier said the variable yields and quality are familiar stories for producers.
“Farmers’ enthusiasm never wanes,” he said.
“The resilience of the people, if they have a poor crop, it’s real surprising.”
The foodgrains bank has provided more than a million tonnes of food and seed worth more than $682 million to millions of people in 78 countries since its was founded 30 years ago.
The growing projects are a way for farmers to get involved in raising food and money to help reduce hunger around the world.
Harold Penner said good weather in the past two weeks allowed most of Manitoba’s 41 growing projects to be harvested. The projects ranged from being hailed out to average to excellent.
Like Saskatchewan, the enthusiasm to participate in growing projects never seems to wane.
“As a whole, there is a lot of enthusiasm for the projects.”
Terence Barg, regional co-ordinator for northern Alberta, said only a couple projects are left to harvest. Yields and quality of the 34 projects has been average or slightly above average.
“A lot of the crop has been hauled in or is being stored on farm waiting for the price to rise,” said Barg.
Andre Visscher said rain in southern Alberta has made harvest difficult in some areas, but the resilience and determination of farmers to ensure the projects’ success never ceases to surprise.
“We’re always surprised how many people are coming out to harvest,” said Visscher.
British Columbia has one growing project and two large auctions to raise money to support the foodgrains bank.
