A low level photo of a pea crop in bloom.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers reduces check-off levy

The group has seen a significant increase in its unrestricted surplus, which was $12.6 million at the end of the last fiscal year

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers have reduced the check-off levy from 0.67 per cent to 0.6 per cent of gross sales at the first point of sale.

Bulging green fababeans grow from the stalk of a single plant.

Saskatchewan gets new fababean breeding program

The collaboration between Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and J4 Agri-Science will focus on developing more desirable varieties

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and J4 Agri-Science have announced they are working together to develop commercial varieties of fababean that mature earlier, yield higher and have better disease resistance.



Kochia is described as “a terrible weed in pulse crops,” especially lentils. | File photo

Pulse growers fund weed control research

Sask. producer group commits $3.67 million over six years to fund five projects, including one on kochia management

Weed control has been recognized as a top issue for pulse growers in recent years. It’s also been noted that there hasn’t been many research projects aimed at specifically addressing weed issues in pulse crops. To address this gap, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers announced in mid-December it will invest in five research projects for a total […] Read more

Pulse starch flour is part of a trend toward finding new uses for pulse protein.  |  Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre photo

New uses for pulse starch seen on the horizon

Protein is normally the focus of pulse production, but research shows value can also be gained from the starch byproduct

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are seeking new uses for pulse starches in the food and biomaterial sectors. Byproduct market research aims to reduce food waste, increase efficiency and add more value to crops grown on the Prairies. While protein is often the goal for pulse crops in Western Canada, starch makes up more […] Read more


A website, rootrot.ca, has been launched through the Pulse Root Rot Network. Users can access information on agronomy, breeding and pathology to advance research and management practices. | Screencap via rootrot.ca

Website launched to fight pulse root rot

Glacier FarmMedia – Pea and lentil growers looking to gain the upper hand against root rot diseases have a new resource. A website, rootrot.ca, has been launched through the Pulse Root Rot Network. Users can access information on agronomy, breeding and pathology to advance research and management practices. The website is part of the Manitoba […] Read more

Growers planted 81,100 acres of fababeans this year, falling well short of the 121,000 acres sown in 2021, according to Statistics Canada. | File photo

Fewer fababeans planted this year as exports plummet

Canada exports to only two major destinations — the U.S. and Egypt — and shipments to both markets have plummeted

SASKATOON — Canada’s fababean acres were well off their peak this year. Growers planted 81,100 acres of the pulse crop, falling well short of the 121,000 acres sown in 2021, according to Statistics Canada. Related stories: “One major change that has taken place is that Alberta has overtaken Saskatchewan as the province with the highest […] Read more

In 2023 more than 1,200 products from around the world had chickpea flour on the ingredients label. | Getty Images

Pulse ingredients boom, but competition looms

Industry official wonders if the expansion of pulse processing that has been seen in Western Canada is outpacing demand

WINNIPEG — Every year, food companies in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia launch thousands of new products. Peas, lentils, pea protein and chickpea flour made from pulse crops grown in Western Canada are becoming common ingredients in those novel foods. In 2023, for instance, more than 1,200 products from around the […] Read more


Limagrain may have a limited release of its new lentil varieties this fall for 2025 planting, but a larger portion of the commercial release will happen in fall 2025.  |  File photo

Pulse grower-funded lentils near release date

Limagrain and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers say their new red lentil varieties will offer ‘significant yield improvement’

LANGHAM, Sask. — Saskatchewan Pulse Growers’ new breeding partner is poised to release its first varieties. Limagrain has small red lentil varieties ready for commercialization, Benzon Lorenzana, the company’s head of cereals and pulse research for North America, said during the Ag in Motion show. They will offer “significant yield improvement” for Canada’s lentil growers, […] Read more

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is forecasting 1.15 million tonnes of chickpea production in 2024-25. | Getty Images

Chickpeas galore in Australia could impact yellow pea prospects

SASKATOON — Australia’s desi chickpeas could provide stiff competition for Canada’s yellow peas in India this year. Farmers Down Under could be harvesting a massive crop based on early-season expectations. Related stories: The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is forecasting 1.15 million tonnes of chickpea production in 2024-25. That would […] Read more