Canadian farmers will plant more legumes at the expense of wheat and barley

The area under legumes in Canada will increase due to a three percent reduction in the area under wheat and a five percent reduction under barley, the online publication The Western Producer reported on January 24. Land allocated for rapeseed will be 1.5% less, and flax - 19%. “The decision is being weighed down by falling prices, low soil moisture in the late fall and expected weak increases in wheat prices,” Agriculture Canada said in the report “Canada: Outlook for Major Field Crops.” According to the forecast, compared to last year’s level, peas will rise in price by 5%, lentils by 8%, and chickpeas by 17%. The report predicts that pulses will provide better returns than other crops. Farmer and agricultural commentator Kevin Hirsch agrees with the official assessments: "They're credible at this point." He agreed that legume crops would increase for economic reasons, but noted that the forecast did not break down the type. “I am not sure that red lentil planting will increase ...