At this time of year, our attention as an industry shifts from the long days of harvesting crops to marketing this year’s production and planning for the next growing season. Based on current estimates, it looks like this year’s average provincial pulse crop yields will be higher than 2023 and 2021, and higher than the most recent five-year average. We know that dryness and high temperatures in July reduced pulse yields in some areas, with the south and southwest parts of the province most impacted.
Over the summer, our Board and staff have been very active at numerous field days, as well as hosting a panel session on the future of pulse breeding at Ag in Motion in July. Thanks to all the growers who attended and interacted with us at these events over the summer. It is a great opportunity for us to hear from growers about your top priorities for pulses.
In June, SPG released a new strategic plan with a heightened focus on high priority research for growers and an increased emphasis on advocacy. Research, variety development, market growth and diversification, grower extension, and market access remain core elements of our strategy. This plan, developed by the SPG Board of Directors, will guide SPG’s work for the next number of years.
In international markets, we face strong demand for the pulses we produce. India recently extended duty-free access for imported peas until the end of December 2024 and significant quantities of Canadian peas have been shipped to India in 2024. Even in the face of some significant geopolitical challenges, demand for the staple food products growers produce continues.
We look forward to engaging with growers over the winter season. We welcome all to attend our Annual General Meeting on January 15, 2025 at 3:15 pm at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon. Watch for notices of SPG’s winter meetings being held in Saskatoon, Regina, and Swift Current in February.
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