Pulse of the Prairies
By Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Pulse of the PrairiesJan 09, 2023
Winter Pulse Meeting Recap
The 2024 Winter Pulse Meetings have concluded but there are still opportunities to catch all the latest updates related to pulse agronomy, breeding and varieties, herbicide resistance, and disease management. In this episode SPG Agronomy Managers, Mike Brown and Meagen Reed, catch up with this year's presenters to discuss their areas of expertise:
- Agronomy for Lentils: Residual nitrogen ongoing project & lentil input study – Chris Holzapfel, Research Manager, Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF)
- Agronomy for Chickpeas: Key takeaways & learnings from trials – Amber Wall, Research Technician, Wheatland Conservation Area
- Managing Herbicide Resistance – Martin Carr, Agronomy Manager, WinField United
- Chickpea Plant Health Update – Dr. Michelle Hubbard, Research Scientist Pulse Pathology, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
- Root Rot: Current situation & discussion on projects – Dr. Syama Chatterton, Plant Pathologist, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and Dr. Sabine Banniza, Professor of Plant Pathology, Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan
- Limagrain Breeding Program Update – Lorena Pahl, Commercial Product Development Manager, Limagrain Cereal Seeds
2023 Pulse Promoter
In this episode SPG Board Member, Stuart Lawrence, sits down with the 2023 Pulse Promoter Award winner, Eric Johnson, retired weed and pulse scientist and agronomist, to discuss the impact Eric's career has had on pulse production. He offers insight into what the future may hold for weed control in pulses, and what innovations the future needs to achieve.
Winter Event Roundup
Winter is upon us, and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers has several education and networking opportunities available to producers and agronomists in the coming months. In this episode, Jasmine Hanson and Amanda Carlson of SPG's Marketing & Communications team give you a sneak peak of what to expect at the upcoming Pulse Variety Seminar, Winter Pulse Meetings, and Annual General Meeting. To learn more about these events and register, visit SPG's event page.
Why to Consider an Alternative Pulse Crop for 2024
As growers start thinking about next production season, it may be worth considering some alternative pulse crops with a lower risk of Aphanomyces root rot. SPG Agronomy Managers Meagen Reed and Mike Brown discuss the benefits of growing small & minor acre pulses and the value they can provide to your crop rotation. Meagen explains why now is a great time to consider growing an alternative pulse crop and what regions might benefit from experimenting with soybeans, chickpeas, faba beans, or dry beans in 2024.
2024 Pulse Crop Planning Considerations
As growers start thinking about next production season, SPG Agronomy Managers Meagen Reed and Mike Brown are here with your must-have resources for 2024 planning. Mike explains why inoculants and seed treatments are key to setting next year’s pulse crops up for success and what products may be best for your operation. We will also learn how seed and soil tests help evaluate your disease risk and what that means for your rotation decisions.
Related Resources
Fertility Resources for Pulses →
Inoculant Options for Pulse Crops →
Seed Treatment Options for Pulse Crops →
Why Invest in a Seed Test? →
Soil Sampling 101 →
Prairie Nutrient Removal Calculator →
Aphanomyces Risk Evaluation App (AREA) →
Breeders & Select Seed Grower Discuss New Pulse Varieties
How do you choose which pulse varieties to grow? How do you know which pulses will be best for your soil zone? In this episode, Laurie Friesen, SPG Seed Program Manager chats with Mark Watson from Watson Seeds Limited and breeders Drs. Bunyamin Ta’ran and Tom Warkentin from the Crop Development Centre. They discuss several new pulse varieties available to growers, the benefits of each, and tips on how to select which variety for your farming operation. Learn more about new pulse varieties here.
Pulse Market Update with Jon Driedger
Dry conditions across much of Western Canada are resulting in a smaller harvest than was hoped. The reduced yields mean potential export volumes will be lower as well. While the short supplies will generally be supportive for prices, how hard the market will need to work to do the necessary demand rationing will vary by crop. In this episode Jasmine Hanson, SPG's Digital Marketing Manager, interviews Jon Driedger, Vice President of Leftfield Commodity Research to discuss how the results of this year’s harvest will impact current pulse markets. Read Jon's Pulse Market Report for September 2023.
Saskatchewan Pulse Harvest Update
In this episode, SPG’s Agronomy Managers, Meagen Reed and Mike Brown, along with SPG summer student Braiden Leppa, discuss how this year’s pulse harvest is going here in Saskatchewan.
Editor's note: As of August 1, 2023, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has implemented a change so that grasshoppers, other insects, and insect parts are no longer a downgrading factor in lentils and are instead included in dockage. Visit the CGC's website to learn more.
Pulse Market Development Outcomes & Results
In this episode Amber Johnson, SPG’s Director of Marketing & Communications, is joined by Dr. Julianne Curran, Vice President, Market Innovation at Pulse Canada, to discuss the Canadian pulse industry’s recent market development efforts and the latest outcomes and results of this important work.
Saskatchewan Pulse Production Update
In this episode SPG’s Agronomy Managers, Meagen Reed and Mike Brown, discuss the current situation with pulse crops in Saskatchewan including environmental impacts, pest pressures, and disease management. Additional Resources:
FUNGICIDE OPTIONS FOR PULSE CROPS →
FUNGICIDE INSENSITIVITY IN PULSE CROPS →
PRAIRIE PEST MONITORING NETWORK →
ADJUVANTS: WHAT THEY DO & HOW THEY DO IT →
OPTIMIZING SPRAY APPLICATIONS →
Update on Minor Pulse Crops in Saskatchewan
In this episode, SPG’s Director of R&D, Sherrilyn Phelps, sits down with Meagen Reed and Michael Brown, SPG's Agronomy Managers. They discuss minor pulse crops such as chickpeas, faba beans, soybeans, dry beans, and more. This episode focuses on what Saskatchewan producers need to know about these minor crops and why growers might consider growing them. Read the latest article on this topic here.
Optimizing Spray Applications
In this episode, SPG’s Agronomy Manager, Meagen Reed, sits down with Tom Wolf, a professional agrologist and co-founder of Sprayers101.com, to discuss everything from surfactants and adjuvants to optimizing your spray application.
Pulse Breeding Update
In this episode, SPG’s Director of R&D, Sherrilyn Phelps, sits down with Carl Potts, SPG Executive Director and Jason Reinheimer, Head of Cereals and Pulse Research with Limagrain. They discuss the new direction of pulse breeding in Saskatchewan, including an overview of where we have come and where we are headed in the future, as well as an update on one of our new breeding partnerships with Limagrain.
Fast Facts about the Future of Pulse Breeding & Pulse Breeding Landscape
Fast Facts about SPG’s Breeding Partnership with Limagrain
Raising Farmers’ Voices: Collaborations among Saskatchewan crop commissions
In this episode, SPG’s Executive Director, Carl Potts, sits down with Tracy Broughton, Executive Director of SaskCanola and Trent Richards, SPG Chair. They discuss how Saskatchewan's crop commissions come together to advocate on behalf of growers on broad policy issues including grain contracts and carbon policy. Click here to read the article on SaskCrops and collaborative advocacy for growers.
Pulse Market Update
In this episode, SPG’s Executive Director, Carl Potts, sits down with Marlene Boersch, owner and managing partner at Mercantile Consulting Venture Inc. They discuss the market outlook for pulse crops including lentil, pea, and chickpea.
2022 Pulse Promoter
In this episode, SPG’s Executive Director, Carl Potts, sits down with the 2022 Pulse Promoter Award winner, Gordon Bacon, CEO Emeritus at Pulse Canada and Director, Food Systems for Global Pulse Confederation. They discuss some of Gordon’s achievements and best memories of his time working in the pulse industry.
Product Recall in Western Canada
There have been recent lambda-cyhalothrin label changes and subsequent product recalls for Western Canada. In this latest podcast episode Sarah Anderson, Agronomy Manager with SPG chats with Greg Bartley, Director of Crop Protection and Crop Quality with Pulse Canada about how these changes will impact pulse growers.
New Pulse Varieties with Select Seed Growers
Choosing the right varieties for your growing region is important. With new pulse varieties being developed and released, there is increased opportunity to try something new in your rotation. In this latest podcast episode Laurie Friesen, Seed Program Manager with SPG chats with Nick Petruic of Petruic Seed Company and Brad Tomtene from Tomtene Seed Farm about new varieties, performance, and what they are excited to see going into the ground in 2023.
Meet Your 2022 Board Election Candidates
Voting has opened for SPG’s Board of Directors election. In this special podcast episode, we are airing interviews held with all five nominees so you can learn more about the candidates before casting your vote. Interviews were conducted by Neil Billinger, Agriculture Director of CJWW Radio on SPG's behalf. Tune in to learn more about the candidates and don't forget to cast your vote by November 30, 2022.
Growers will receive a voter package that will include a six-digit ID number, which is required for the electronic voting process. Voter packages will be mailed to registered pulse growers* in late October in a bright green envelope. Voting will open at 8:00 AM CST on November 1 at www.saskpulsevotes.com, remaining open until 4:30 PM CST on November 30. If growers prefer to vote with a paper ballot, the voter package will provide contact information to request a mail-in ballot.
Important Dates:
- November 1, 2022 – Voting opens at 8:00 AM CST at www.saskpulsevotes.com
- November 30, 2022 – Voting closes at 4:30 PM CST
- January 9, 2023 – Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Annual General Meeting
*A registered pulse grower is someone who has sold a pulse crop and paid levy to Saskatchewan Pulse Growers at any time since September 1, 2019.
Soil Sampling & Nutrient Management for Pulses
Soil testing in the fall is a good way to determine fertility needs for the spring, and the key to a good fertility plan is a representative soil sample. In this episode SPG Agronomy Manager, Sarah Anderson, speaks with Dr. Diane Knight about different soil sampling methods, nutrient management, and how these topics relate to your pulse crop. Click here to read our new fact sheet on soil sampling.
Saskatchewan Pulse Harvest Update
In this episode Amanda Carlson, SPG’s Communications Manager, discusses the current state of Saskatchewan's pulse harvest season with Sarah Anderson, SPG Agronomy Manager. Sarah provides an update on the 2022 growing season, current harvest progress and the Glyphosate Testing Program newly launched.
Learn more about the Harvest Sample Program
Learn more about Pulse Canada's Glyphosate Testing Program
SPG & Limagrain Field Seeds' New Pulse Breeding Collaboration
SPG & Limagrain Field Seeds are excited to announce a new collaboration for Pulse breeding in Saskatchewan. This new collaboration has a strong commercial focus and will bring new and additional investment into Pea and Lentil breeding locally in Saskatchewan, increasing competition, and creating a strong environment to foster innovation. In this episode Shaun Dyrland, SPG Chair, & Jason Reinheimer, Limagrain Field Seeds Head of Research for Cereals & Pulses, share more about the newly announced Pulse Breeding Collaboration including principles, priorities, and technology.
Read more about this announcement: https://saskpulse.com/news-events/news/saskatchewan-pulse-growers-and-limagrain-field-seeds-forge-a-new-path-in-pl
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/AHq6hBEPAEg
Keep Your Crops Export Ready
In this episode SPG’s Agronomy Manager, Sarah Anderson, talks to Greg Bartley, Director of Crop Protection & Crop Quality with Pulse Canada. Their discussion covers the 2022 Keep it Clean! Campaign including what growers need to know to keep their crops export-ready and updates to maximum residue limits.
Update on 25% by 2025 Market Development Strategy with Pulse Canada
In this episode Amber Johnson, SPG’s Director of Marketing & Communications, sits down with Dr. Julianne Curran, Vice President of Market Innovation with Pulse Canada. They discuss the Canadian pulse industry’s 25% x 2025 market development strategy and provide an update on how those goals are progressing.
Agronomic Outlook for Pulses
In this episode Amanda Carlson, Communications Manager with SPG sits down with Sarah Anderson, Agronomy Manager with SPG. Sarah provides an on-farm agronomic outlook for pulses and what growers need to know as they prep for the 2022 seeding season.
Seed Testing 101
In this episode, SPG’s Agronomy Manager, Sarah Anderson, sits down with Sandy Junek, co-owner and Molecular Lab Manager of Discovery Seed Labs. They discuss everything to do with seed testing, including how testing works, when to test seed, what to expect from test results, as well as trends from the 2021 annual seed survey. Read the latest article on the important of seed testing here.
2021 Pulse Promoter
In this episode, SPG’s Director of Research and Development, Sherrilyn Phelps, sits down with the 2021 Pulse Promoter Award winner, Dr. Bunyamin Tar’an, Professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre and Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program Chair in Chickpea and Flax Breeding and Genetics. They discuss where Dr. Tar’an’s passion for pulses in Saskatchewan started, as well as his challenges and accomplishments in chickpea breeding. Read more about Dr. Tar'an's work here.
Diving into the Faba Bean Weed Research Program & Outcomes
This podcast episode features Dr. Chris Willenborg, Associate Professor, Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, and graduate student Amanda Fedorchuk, discussing some of the research objectives of faba bean seeding rate and herbicide considerations for weed control, and outcomes observed thus far from the trials. Read the accompanying research summary here.
[Editor’s note: in this episode, all rates of active ingredients were measured in grams per hectare.]
Processing Technologies for Pulses
In this episode, SPG’s Pulse Science Cluster Program Manager, Constance Chiremba, sits down with Mike Nickerson, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Research Chair and Professor with the University of Saskatchewan, James D. House, Professor of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences with the University of Manitoba, Lindsey Boyd, Technologist of Pulse Science Cluster, Cereals Canada, and Elaine Sopiwnyk, Vice-President Technical Services, Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI).
The team discusses their research into how processing strategies are being developed for innovative commercially-ready pulse ingredients, and how these processes can achieve pulse flour and protein specifications, with the required functionality and nutritional profiles needed for a wide range of applications like pasta, soups, dips and sauces, pan breads, meat binders, and meat alternatives.
The outcomes of this work will result in important technical information for food manufacturers and is a key component in the Canadian pulse industry’s goal to diversify and create new markets and new uses for 25% of Canadian pulses by 2025, strengthening the demand for pulse ingredients and growers’ crops into high value markets.
Herbicide Carryover Risks & Considerations
In this episode, SPG’s Agronomy Manager Sarah Anderson is joined by Agronomy Extension Specialists from SaskWheat and SaskCanola, Haley Tetreault and Kaeley Kindrachuk, to host a collaborative discussion on herbicide carryover with Provincial Specialist in Weed Control, Clark Brenzil. Listen now to learn more about the risks and considerations pertaining to herbicide carryover, and read our new article on the topic at SaskPulse.com.
Meet Your Newly Acclaimed SPG Board Members
This episode features SPG’s Executive Director Carl Potts interviewing Shaun Dyrland who is returning for his second term on the board, Trent Richards who is returning for his third term, and new board member Mario Gaudet. Learn more about each of the members including why they chose to become involved with the board and what challenges and opportunities they see for Saskatchewan pulse growers.
Pulse Harvest & International Demand Update
This episode features SPG’s Agronomy Manager Sarah Anderson, Shaun Dyrland, SK pulse grower and SPG Board Chair, and Judy Elias, Operations Supervisor for the Canadian Grain Commission. They discuss the key considerations for selling pulse crops.
As well, Amber Johnson, SPG’s Director of Marketing & Communications speaks with Jon Driedger, Vice President with LeftField Commodity Research, about how the Canadian pulse market fared this season, and what the future holds for global demand for Canadian pulses.
2021 Pulse Production Update
In this episode, SPG’s new Agronomy Manager Sarah Anderson discusses how pulse production has fared so far this growing season, highlighting what growers should watch for when scouting, and touches on pre-harvest intervals and harvest aid products for pulses.
How Pulse Processing Continues to Expand and Evolve in Western Canada
Capacity and demand for Canadian pulse ingredients and fractions continues to expand in Western Canada. In this episode we dive into current and future processing capacity, specific market categories showing particular promise, interesting collaborative projects to fast-track the entire industry, and what growers should keep in mind to sell into and capitalize on these opportunities with a dynamic panel including Julianne Curran, Vice President of Market Innovation at Pulse Canada, Dominique Baumann, CEO at Roquette Canada, Dan Kraft, Vice President of Operations at Merit Functional Foods, and Murad Al-Katib, CEO at AGT Food & Ingredients.
2021 Seeded Acre Intentions and Global Pulse Outlook
With seeding well underway to nearly complete in Saskatchewan, Andrea Lauder, Communications Manager with SPG sat down with Marlene Boersch from Mercantile Consulting Venture Inc. to talk about what seeded acres look like for the province, and how production will fit into global demand for pulses over the next few months.
Pea Fertility Research Examines Yield and Protein Enhancements
Chris Holzapfel, Research Manager at the Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation has recently completed a project that examined different fertility combinations that could potentially impact field pea yield and protein content. In this episode Allison Fletcher, Research Project Manager with SPG sat down with him to learn more. Read the full research summary here & watch the webinar here.
Pulse Canada CEO Gordon Bacon Stepping Aside
In this episode Carl Potts, Executive Director with SPG sits down with outgoing Pulse Canada CEO Gordon Bacon. Over his 23+ years with Pulse Canada, Gordon has had a front row view of the growth and change that pulses have seen, to the booming industry it is today. Listen to his memories of where the pulse industry began, and hear his thoughts on where they could go in the future.
Weed Control Strategies for Pulses
When it comes to weed management, we know that pulses are poor competitors. In this latest podcast episode, Sherrilyn Phelps, Agronomy Manager with SPG chats with Dr. Shaun Sharpe, Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Saskatoon about his research into integrated weed management strategies including soil residual herbicides, cultural control strategies, and managing weed seed shed.
Lentil Genomic Research Benefits Saskatchewan Growers
In this podcast episode Dr. Kirstin Bett, Professor in Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, chats with Allison Fletcher, Research Project Manager with SPG about her AGILE research project that harnesses genetic traits from lentil varieties around the world. We learn more about how these wild lentil traits are helping to diversify lentil varieties here at home so they can continue to thrive in Saskatchewan’s climate and soils. Read the companion article here.
2020 Pulse Promoters
Tony & Francis Gaudet of Belle Pulses in Bellevue, SK have built upon the family legacy, building pulse innovation and growth along the way. The brothers were recently recognized with the Pulse Promoter Award and in this episode Shaun Dyrland, SPG Board Chair, sat down with them to learn about the family business, their history in the pulse industry, and where they see Saskatchewan pulses fitting into the future. Read the announcement here.
New Pulse Varieties
Choosing the right varieties for your growing region is important. With new pulse varieties being developed and released, there is increased opportunity to try something new in your rotation. In this latest podcast episode Laurie Friesen, Seed Program Manager with SPG chats with Trevor Simpson of Simpson Seeds and Ken McDougall from McDougall Acres about new varieties, performance, and what they are excited to see going into the ground in 2021. Read the companion article here.
Chickpea Plant Health Update
Southern Saskatchewan chickpea growing areas were impacted by an ongoing plant health issue in 2019 and 2020. In this podcast episode, Sherrilyn Phelps, Agronomy Manager talks with Dr. Michelle Hubbard, Research Scientist in Pulse Pathology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada about symptoms found on the plants, lab testing that was done, the results to date, and next steps for further testing. Read the companion article here & watch the webinar here.
Meet Your 2020 Board Election Candidates
In this special podcast episode, we are airing interviews held with all six nominees for Saskatchewan Pulse Growers' Board of Directors election which is currently open for voting. Interviews were conducted by Neil Billinger, Agriculture Director of CJWW Radio on SPG's behalf. Tune in to learn more about the candidates and don't forget to cast your vote by November 30, 2020.
Predicting Root Rot Risk Into 2021
As the 2020 growing season comes to an end, there is still a lot growers can do to prepare for 2021, including tracking potential root rot incidents in their fields, and planning best ways to mitigate risk in additional fields. In this podcast episode, Sherrilyn Phelps, Agronomy Manager talks with Dr. Syama Chatterton, Research Scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Lethbridge about what factors growers should consider planning 2021 crop rotations, to minimize and manage the risk of root rots developing in their fields. Read the companion article here & watch the webinar here.
Pulse Market Overview
Demand for pulses during the 2020 growing season have been quite strong and in this podcast episode Andrea Lauder, Communications Manager chats with Chuck Penner of LeftField Commodity Research about how likely demand for Canadian pulses will continue to be, what impact the market in India will have on demand, and what market opportunities growers should watch for.
Pulse Harvest 2020: A Break-Down
Harvest across Saskatchewan has been progressing at a rapid rate due in large part to the hot, dry weather we experienced in August. In this podcast Sherrilyn Phelps, Agronomy Manager talks with John Ippolito, Crops Extension Specialist, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture in the Kindersley area about how pulse harvest has looked so far this year, what tips to keep in mind when storing pulse crops, and what important harvest aid considerations growers should be aware of during the harvest season.
Saskatchewan Lentils Build Better U.S. Beef Burgers
In a recent research study led by Pulse Canada and supported by SPG it was found that substituting beef burgers with 1/3 lentils benefited overall environmental footprint and nutritional content at a reduced cost. In this podcast episode Amber Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications chats with Denis Tremorin, Director, Sustainability with Pulse Canada about the ways this research can not only support but also drive growth in pulse demand by the processing and foodservice sectors.
Supporting Mental Health in Agriculture
Mental health has become a more prominent topic in the agriculture community. The Do More Ag Foundation has been working to reduce the stigma of mental health and to provide producers with resources they may need. In this episode Amber Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications chats with co-founder Lesley Kelly about how Do More Ag came to be, the importance of the Foundation to her personally and professionally, and the ways the Foundation is growing their resources to help support producers across the country.
The Future of Pulse Breeding in Saskatchewan
Breeding pulse varieties suited for Saskatchewan growing conditions and climates has brought a lot of success for Saskatchewan pulse growers. In this episode Saskatchewan Pulse Growers' (SPG) Executive Director Carl Potts chats with Director of Research & Development Dave Greenshields about the changes coming to pulse breeding, how SPG will remain part of the pulse breeding process, and how these changes to pulse breeding will hopefully better address grower concerns specific to disease. Read the companion article here.
Pulse Protein, Processing, and Ingredient Research
Dr. Michael Nickerson, Professor and Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Protein Quality and Utilization at the University of Saskatchewan chats with Dr. Constance Chiremba, Pulse Science Cluster Program Manager with SPG about his research into protein composition of pulses, processing capabilities for pulse crops, and future areas of growth for pulse-based proteins in today's food ingredient market.