Pea crop report, Mid-June 2022
May was a perfect month for growing peas. With good rain, sunlight, and temperature, it really could not have been much. If anything, we could have done with just a little bit more as April was dry. However, what we got was more than acceptable.
In extreme cases, farmers report up to 30% damage on some fields. However, nationally, Farmers suggest this damage is around 5-8%. Although not a disaster, it is still significant. (Werry & Sons Ltd.)
Crop Photos
Full pea plant showing first pods and four sets of flowers
The first pod has already produced 7 seedlings.
Conclusion
Considering the weather, we would rate the over-crop season as 8 out of 9
Warm weather, moisture, and sunshine. The major downside is crop damage from pests.
One final warning is the below. You will see we have a very warm day ahead in the UK. Sustained periods of more than 25 C can cause flowers to fall off plants, so pods abort (not grow). So we need the weather to stay calm and warm, not hot. (Werry & Sons Ltd.)
Challenges
There are now agrochemicals on the horizon as an alternative use for harvesting or controlling weeds – this is a major issue for our industry, and there is no positive news on this front. Framers researched the possibility of swathing peas to give maturity. This was trialed in 2021 in the UK and was successful. However, this is a new approach for many. Swathing is quite popular in Canada, and we will carry out some more extensive trials in 2022 to try and encourage more farmers to harvest this way. (Werry & Sons Ltd.)
Crop carry out from 2021 harvest.
The crop carryout from 2021 is zero. Historically this should be 30% of the production total.
Market outlook for 2022
Currently, prices are at an all-time high for many reasons:
All commodities have risen in value
No, carry over from 2021
Demand outstrips supply
Canada also had very poor yields in 2021
Future difficulties to grow the crop due to agrochemical restrictions:
Farmers do not want to grow old varieties:
High prices for crop 2022 of wheat, OSR (canola), and malting barley.
Prices are the highest they have ever been and are likely to remain high.
We hope for a good crop in 2022, which will allow for a correction in the market. Please watch this space.