MarketsFarm — There isn’t much movement in lentil prices as the market is in holiday mode, according to Dale McManus of Johnston Grains at Welwyn, Sask.
“We’re doing two or three loads every second or third day, but not over-pushing it,” he said.
Prices for lentils have been very steady this week. Lairds in Western Canada were holding at 35-64 cents/lb. depending on size, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. Although the number twos stepped back a half cent.
As well, prices for Estons, Richleas, Crimsons and French lentils saw no movement over the week. Estons were 41-56 cents/lb., with Richleas at 44-64, Crimsons at 37.5-46 and French at 75-80.
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The lentil harvest in Australia was also putting pressure on Prairie prices, McManus said.
McManus noted shipping containers remain extremely difficult to get in order to move lentils to export customers. Sea cans are the preferred method of shipping as greater volumes of lentils, and other pulses, can be carried by container ships compared to grain vessels. He is hoping the shortage of containers will be resolved in the New Year.
Another impediment to exports he pointed to was the backlog at the Port of Vancouver. Washouts of the rail links to the port several weeks ago created the backlog, which is still being sorted out.
McManus said the port has been doing the best it can to rectify the situation.
— Glen Hallick reports for MarketsFarm from Winnipeg.
