Pioneer in pulses earns top honours

Jan 17, 2025
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Paynton farmer leads sustainable pulse growth

The pulse industry is honouring the remarkable achievements of Vicki Dutton, a farmer from Paynton, Saskatchewan, who has received the prestigious Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) Pulse Promoter Award.

Her pioneering contributions and commitment to innovation and advocacy have played a vital role in advancing the pulse sector.

Dutton Farms, run by Vicki Dutton and her family, was among the first in Western Canada to adopt pulse crops into its rotations in the 1970s. Since 1974, the farm has been a trusted name in high-quality pulse seed production through the Dutton Farms Partnership.

Additionally, her leadership as part-owner of Western Grain, a processing and export business, has strengthened the pulse value chain and expanded global market opportunities.

Dutton's contributions extend to her six-year tenure on the SPG Board of Directors, where she supported research and market development initiatives. She also served on the Pulse Canada Board and the Canadian Grain Commission’s Western Standards Committee, showcasing her dedication to advancing the sector.

“Vicki Dutton’s contributions to the pulse industry are extensive,” said Winston van Staveren, SPG Board Chair. “Her pioneering spirit, innovative approach, and dedication to collaboration have built her legacy in Canadian agriculture.”

Dutton Farms continues to drive innovation by collaborating with organizations like Protein Industries Canada, TMRW Foods, and Lovingly Made Flour Mills. These partnerships focus on developing sustainable food solutions using pea and faba bean proteins for plant-based meat alternatives.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dutton has been an advocate for variety development, research, and policies that support the pulse sector. Her efforts inspire recognition of pulses as a sustainable and essential part of the global food system.

"I am truly honoured to receive the Pulse Promoter Award, but this recognition is not mine alone—it belongs to my family, many farmers, researchers, and industry partners who have shared this journey with me,” said Vicki Dutton.

“Together, we have worked to grow more than crops. I am grateful for my opportunities and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the years ahead."

The Pulse Promoter Award highlights individuals who have significantly influenced Saskatchewan’s pulse sector through their work in production, research, processing, and advocacy.

Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Pulse Growers

Video: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.