Pulse weekly outlook: Lentil prices hit December lull

MarketsFarm — After a year that has seen lentil prices climb by between seven and 13 cents/lb., they have stalled and pulled back a little bit, according to Allan Johnston of Johnston Grains at Welwyn, Sask.

“The market is not very friendly,” Johnston said, noting dry pea prices have receded as well.

“Lentil prices are still pretty good. People were getting used to them being higher and going higher,” he added.

Johnston chalked it up to the usual lull the market hits come December. “This can turn around and come back in the New Year.”

Johnston Grains posted red lentils from 25 to 28 cents/lb. depending on size, f.o.b. for November-December. Large greens were 35-37 cents/lb, mediums at 21-30 cents/lb. and smalls at 28-29 cents/lb. Feed lentils, red and green, were 18-20 cents/lb.

Prairie Ag Hotwire reported Laird lentils were steady to down one cent on the week, depending on the size, as of Monday. They ranged from 23.5 to 38 cents/lb. delivered.

Eston lentils were mostly steady, but some lost two cents, with prices at 20-30 cents/lb. depending on the size.

Richleas were on the same boat, seeing their prices remain firm to slipping back a couple of pennies. They ranged from 20 to 32 cents/lb.

Crimsons echoed that trend, holding steady to losing two cents, at 21-30 cents/lb.

— Glen Hallick reports for MarketsFarm from Winnipeg.