MarketsFarm – Pulse crops across Saskatchewan are growing well for the most part, but not in every corner of the province, according to the province’s own specialist.
Dale Risula, special crops specialist for Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture, said this year’s pulse crops are looking much better than those in last year’s drought, which he called a “disaster”. However, Risula added that pulses in some areas are under stress from ongoing dryness.
“Some areas are going to have to have some moisture very quickly in order to help those crops out, but for the most part, most of the pulses are looking pretty good across the province,” he said, adding that the southwest corner of Saskatchewan and areas along the Alberta/Saskatchewan border are most in need.
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“Although they had pretty good precipitation throughout the growing season so far, the effect of last year’s drought is still showing its head there because a lot of the moisture in the soil reserve wasn’t totally replenished. The heat wave that we’ve had added to the need for more moisture very quickly,” Risula explained.
As of July 18, 74 per cent of pulse crops in Saskatchewan are at their normal stages of development for this time of year, according to the province’s weekly crop.
Lentils, of which Saskatchewan is Canada’s largest producer, are in good condition, according to Risula. Lentil production in Canada is projected by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to be 2.46 million tonnes for 2022, 50 per cent more than last year and slightly less than the 2.87 million in 2020.
“I think the yield this year should match the ongoing average, if not surpass it a little bit. I think the quality is going to be very good,” he said. “I think where they’ve had some decent moisture this year and timely moisture, peas could do well this year too and quality should be good too.”
Risula added that diseases in pulse crops have not been prevalent this year so far, but insect threats still remain.
“In some areas, I’ve heard reports of aphids showing up,” he said. “I don’t know if the plants are susceptible where aphids were reported yet, but if that’s the case, they could be a problem.”
Still, Risula is optimistic about this year’s pulse crops.
“The way it’s going right now, we’re headed for a slightly above-average year for yields and production,” he said.
