A very quiet trading period for UK pulses. Egyptian crop underperformed but Middle East markets are awaiting better prices. Pulse Australia forecasts bean acreage will be only 72% of the last 5-year average and drought remains a problem where most beans are grown. Reports too from Canada that soil moisture is low in the west/centre, after low winter snowfall. Their dry pea crop is forecast to increase to 1.5m ha and 3.1m tonnes – up 7% on last year. This increase is in yellow peas rather than green and they predict prices will level off.

Early signs are that both spring peas and beans have gained acres as later sown options in the UK. Fertiliser prices continue to rise which is helping the pulse arguments, but it appears that payment of the protein subsidy may be integrated with the SFP in future – see http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/762&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Feed Beans

New crop feed beans estimated to be £50-55 premium over wheat. Canadian dry bean acres expected to be down by 24% this year, and prices to rise in N.America.

Export Beans

Egypt has had a below average harvest, but they remain shy of the high prices and will await developments whilst they have stocks. Reports that their viral problems are spreading north.

Marrowfats

Demand is strong and there are enquiries from Malaysia but prices are too high at present. Interest currently to from China in the larger varieties. There is some worry now that retailers are moving to ban tartrazine which will result in a less attractive canned product.

Large Blues

Interest in Blues remains strong with some early contracts being offered for 2009 crop. Prices too are very high, but also ripe for speculation and volatility.

Agronomy Notes

Crops continue to look well and timely rain this month has helped considerably. The first pea moths were found towards the end of the month, but as yet no peas have begun flowering. With an increase in temperature and soil moisture, we can expect an earlier emergence of moths than last year. The PGRO pea moth telephone

information service will be available again in early June on 01780 783099.

Winter bean diseases are still low and now that pod setting is well underway in most areas, there will be a need for a rust preventative fungicide treatment in the next couple of weeks. Downy mildew in spring beans began to develop at the end of the month following the rain and temperature rise. Bruchid beetles are present in crops but the timing for sprays in spring beans should be delayed until pod set has begun.

PGRO/BEPA at Cereals

Preparations of the new look stand and theme are almost complete. BEPA support, financial and personal, is much appreciated and it is hoped we get the “traffic” through over the 2 days. I’m pleased to report that LS Plant Breeding, who supplied much of the photography, have also paid for the cost of the main displays. The nitrogen theme continues to gather momentum as AN reaches £325/tonne.

PGRO Open Day

We will be delighted to welcome as many of you as possible to the day on 17^th June.