Prices for feed pulses have dropped over the last month as farmers have turned to the feed market as the only buyer, according to a trader.
“Regular processors aren’t buying as many low-grade lentils, so guys are tired of sitting on them. So you’re starting to see them come to the feed market,” said Jay Harris of JGL Commodities in Moose Jaw.
Feed lentils have been going for 10 to 12 cents/lb., with feed peas and other feed proteins at roughly the same price, Harris said.
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That compares to food lentils selling largely in the mid- to high teens per pound, according to data from Prairie Ag Hotwire.
Green peas are selling for $11-$12 per bushel, with yellow peas at $6.25-$7.25. Feed peas per bushel range from $3.40 to $6.95 in Saskatchewan, $7.25 in Manitoba and $6.40-$7.50 in Alberta.
Depending on the size of the chickpeas, prices are in the low to mid-20 cents range per pound.
On the pet food market, chickpea prices are normally better than feed prices, Harris said. However, the large supply of chickpeas has been more than enough to supply that market.
Although JGL Commodities deals with the domestic markets, Harris commented on the export market.
“There’s always an export market for low-grade lentils. If lentils are high-priced, you’re going to see more feed lentils and low-grade lentils be exported. But, because the value is low enough, you’re not seeing as many.”
— Glen Hallick writes for MarketsFarm, a Glacier FarmMedia division specializing in grain and commodity market analysis and reporting.
