For 2006-07, total Canadian production of pulse and special crops decreased by 17%, from 2005-06, to 4.44 million tonnes (Mt), based on Statistics Canada’s (STC) November production estimates. Average yields were lower than trend for dry peas and mustard seed, higher than trend for dry beans, chickpeas and sunflower seed, and at near trend levels for lentils, canary seed and buckwheat. Crop abandonment was lower than normal. Harvest progress was ahead of 2005-06 and ahead of normal. Quality is, in general, normal to higher than normal.

Total supply decreased by 11% to 5.97 Mt, as higher carry-in stocks partly offset the decrease in production.  Exports and carry-out stocks are forecast to decrease because of the lower supply, while domestic use remains relatively stable. Average prices, over all types, grades and markets, are forecast to increase for dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, mustard seed, canary seed and sunflower seed, decrease for dry beans and be the same for buckwheat. The stronger Canadian dollar, compared to the US dollar, is expected to have the largest impact on dry bean and sunflower seed prices, as Canadian prices for these crops are directly related to US prices. The main factors to watch are the exchange rates of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar and other currencies, ocean shipping rates and growing and harvest conditions in other major producing countries, especially India, Pakistan and Mexico.

Full report: http: http://www.seedquest.com/News/releases/2006/pdf/17816.pdf