Pulse weekly outlook: Possible seed shortage for lentils

With lentil yields varying across the Prairies this year some growers could find themselves short on seed to plant in 2022.

“It depends on if you have booked seed already somewhere or you normally clean your own,” said Dale McManus, trader with Johnston’s Grain in Welwyn, Sask.

“A lot of lentils haven’t brought to the market so far this year. Lentils seem to be cool at the moment,” he continued, noting that’s not the case with grains such as wheat, barley, oats and flax.

If fact lentil prices over the past seven days have been steady to lower in Western Canada. All sizes of Laird lentils have seen prices drop as much as three cents per pound, and currently range from 35 cents to 64 cents/lb, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire.

Eston and Richlea lentils have remained firm with both between 41.5 to 64 cents/lb. French lentils as well haven’t budged and remain at 75 to 80 cents/lb.

Crimson lentils are the exception, with their movement going either way. Number one and two Crimsons have pulled back a penny, but the threes have risen four cents. Prices are 38 to 48 cents/lb.

Dramatically low ending stocks could make sourcing lentils to plant next year somewhat difficult. Production in 2021/22 was estimated at 1.8 million tonnes, falling 37.2 per cent from the previous year according to the October supply and demand report from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Total supply of about 2.28 million was forecast to drop 28.4 per cent.

In turn, exports are projected to be 1.9 million tonnes and domestic use at 333,000, which would leave a carryout of only 50,000 tonnes.

McManus theorized that growers could also be hanging on to their lentils to be used as income in 2022. However, he said they need to decide on what they want to plant next year and acquire what they need.