Optimism About 2008 Aussie Pulse Crop

VANCOUVER - May 16/08 - SNS -- Australian pulse producers are starting their 2008-09 marketing year with considerable optimism about yield prospects for all categories of pulses, looking for production to rebound significantly from the weather reduced harvests of 2006 and 2007.

In its first forecast for the 2008-09 season, Pulse Australia said, "Pulse production in Australia should rise from the poor totals of 2007 with a better season, despite the total sown area remaining static. With record forward price projections for cereals and canola, an anticipated end to the extraordinary run of dry seasons, and dramatically increased input prices, there is a mood for recovery with 'low risk' production in 2008 in most areas of Australia.

"Risk and cash-flow considerations are paramount, and cereal production is favored at the expense of pulses. Forecast prices at harvest for pulses are also exceptional, and growers will be rewarded for persisting with pulses at harvest."

Total area in pulses is expected to inched up from 1.544 to 1.564 million hectares; while total output could jump from 1.21 to 2.09 million metric tons (MT) if the weather cooperates.

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