Rather a lot to report, starting with the weather.

With pulses, the torrential rainfall of late May will be beneficial. Last year, yields of both peas and beans were disappointing, so the only good news came from the increasing crop values. Large Blues moved from around £100/tonne to about £140/tonne. Prices at this higher value have broadly been held, while we now have a real chance of “normal” yields, i.e. 4-6 tonnes/ha.

Spring beans needed the rains most, being the most drought sensitive of the major pulse crops, but winter beans and peas will also benefit. However, with the latter crop, look for secondary growth if the wet weather continues through flowering. By next month this issue will be clearer.

Cereals 2007

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.

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.

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 are still in demand with old crop valued at around £125/tonne and new crop £110/tonne. This market is mostly for crops of Clipper and other varieties that fail human consumption standards.

Export Beans

Local production is now being used for the Egyptian market, but later there will be competition from France and perhaps Australian crops.

UK trade will be based on spring beans, but there is now also an appreciable tonnage of Wizard winter beans exported.

Marrowfats

Changes in retailers requirements will increase the need for deep, uniformly coloured marrowfats. Look at P 13 of the latest issue of the PGRO Journal to see how a delay of just 4 days reduced produce value by £35/tonne. There are also indications that Canadian marrowfats will be more expensive, so again UK crops should be at the premium end of the market

Large and Small Blues

Large blues are wanted, but imports from the continent continue and probably will cap prices. Remember that imports are meeting a need and that it will be relatively easy to move users from continental to UK peas. The introduction of Soya would have complicated matters.

And Finally…..

A farewell from Geoffrey Gent.

“Following the fortunes of the UK pulse crops has been a fascinating experience and I hope that information has been provided that has helped both producers and users.

The next market update will be produced by the new PGRO Director, Salvador Potter.”