Rather a lot to report, starting with the weather.

Peas and spring beans will benefit from a good rain, but they are not suffering, at the moment. Winter beans are short and coming into flower, but plants are strong and healthy and should yield well. Weevils and Bruchids are enjoying the warm weather, see PGRO Crop Bulletins.

Now to other matters.

Cereals 2007

A coordinated approach to demonstrating and discussing pulses has been planned, involving BEPA, NIAB and PGRO.

We are part of the technical area with plots of all the Recommended pea and bean varieties. PGRO staff will be available to discuss all aspects of crop production and BEPA personnel will be available to discuss market needs and likely crop values.

Remember that pea prices from the 2006 harvest ranged from about £100/tonne for animal feed use, to £140/tonne for micronising and export and £170/tonne for premium marrowfats. Add value by targeting quality crops and premium markets.

The new dimension for 2007 is the participation of experienced and successful pea and bean growers to pass their crop
management knowledge to other growers. Farmer to farmer liaison adds a new practical focus to the event.

Lists of BEPA personnel and co-operating farmers will be posted on www.pgro.org and www.bepa.co.uk

Join us to hear about the real strengths of pulses. Excellent new varieties; real and rewarding markets and crops that make a significant contribution to farm profitability, the environment, food miles and sustainable farming.

PGRO Open Day

This is on Tuesday 5^th June at the Research Station, Thornhaugh. The Guest of Honour is Peter Kendall and details are on www.pgro.org

Now to crop trading:

Feed Beans

Feed beans have moved above £130/tonne, but this reflects shortages. Rather frustrating for the majority of farmers who sold at less than £100/tonne.

Export Beans

Drought is probably adversely affecting both French and Australian production, but there has been little forward interest in UK beans because of their relative expense. The uplift in values for feed beans and other
commodities has contributed to this increase. Egyptian buyers are therefore holding back and using their own beans, but there may be an exporting window for the period between local crops and the first French beans.

In common with the UK, there is a reduced 07 harvest area in France.

Marrowfats

Trading has mostly been to UK users, canning as processed peas and fish shop use. Exports are needed to re vitalise the market but competition from Canadian producers has been intense, with the strong £ being a significant negative factor.

There has been some recent interest from Far Eastern users. Quality is the key to sales in this market.

Large and Small Blues

Small blues have become established in Scotland and the North, but we have to fight to remind growers that our standard large blue peas can still be useful, profitable and easily integrated rotational crops. The high value of Canadian peas bodes well for producers, but could restrict marketing options.

An updated version of the old “Corn versus Horn” farming conundrum.