BEPA Pulse Market Update
UK pea crops have yielded exceptionally well this year despite the spring drought, and quality has been good too after almost ideal harvest conditions.
UK pea crops have yielded exceptionally well this year despite the spring drought, and quality has been good too after almost ideal harvest conditions.
The drought in the eastern part of the country, balanced by good conditions in other parts of the UK, mean that bean yield and quality have been extremely variable. High Bruchid and low yields affected crops mainly in East Anglia, and winters have suffered more than springs. Both have also seen high weed pressure.
On the price front, UK cereal, soybean and oilseed markets have, however, recently reacted downwards after the US corn stocks news, stronger $ and weaker . This has meant that the bean price premium over feed wheat has stretched to some 70/tonne, so growers who ‘kept the faith’ with pulses will have made a good profit.
Looking to next season, the bean area has dropped from 161,000 in 2010 to 120,000ha and winter beans will likely drop again for the next harvest as autumn oilseed rape drilling has raced ahead in near ideal (if dry) conditions. But after a 10% increase in oilseed rape acreage for 2011, and maybe a similar rise for 2012, good rotational practice will surely mean we are unlikely to see further increases and pulses will keep their rightful place in growers rotations.
French pulse crops have seen a second poor year with pea yields the lowest for 20 years and beans little better – except in the north. Bruchid attack has been widespread in France, perhaps linked to the recent loss of Endosulfan as a more persistent insecticide.
Canada too, after a difficult pea and lentil sowing season, is seeing pea production down a huge 29% due to lower plantings in Saskatchewan although good yields compensated to some extent. Carry over pea stocks there will fall sharply after some years of surplus.
2011 Australian bean crop sowings were recorded at 4% above 2010 at 151,000 ha.
Feed Beans
The large premium of beans over wheat means UK compounders have not been taking beans for some time. However, some have found export markets. Soybeans too have come off the higher spring prices, so are a more competitive protein source for the present.
Human Consumption Beans
The August Ramadan depleted Egyptian bean stocks and there has been considerable export demand as a result. The French challenge to find the right quality this year has also helped UK exports, and at least one French cargo has been rejected for high Bruchid levels. Prices have eased from the 220 ex-farm in recent weeks. The Sudanese too have been taking bagged beans as local meat prices are increasing dramatically on the back of the local drought.
Combining Peas
Peas have generally been a great success story this year. Coping well with the drought and harvested in good conditions, they got rain in June at the crucial time. Yields and quality have been excellent with strong prices too, as the overall area dropped 28% from 40,000ha in 2010 to 29,000 ha this year.
Marrowfats
The carry over from 2010 is still affecting the market, but staining and insect damage have both been much improved on last year. Japanese buyers are looking for good material – and it will be available from UK. The market has been quiet to date and will remain so until the New Year.
Blue Peas
With the widely forecast shortage of this type in UK, there are good premiums available with less competition than usual from Canada (see above). Interest is reported from both Ireland and the Continent and the crop will likely run out well before the end of the sales season.
Scottish crops of Zero4 were a challenge after the appalling wet weather up there. Yields are 6-7 tonnes/ha this year, so gross margins of 900 to 1000 will be possible.
White Peas
These too are in short supply in UK and French exporters have been making up the shortfall.
BEPA is the trade association representing the processors and users of British-produced pulse (dried pea and bean) crops. BEPA’s key objectives are to liaise with UK government and other national and international associations, encourage the consumption of home-produced pulses by promoting their value as healthy, high-protein and high-fibre foods, and to liaise with crop scientists and plant breeders.
