STAT Communications Ag Market News

Crop Status Bulls Lentils

VANCOUVER - Jun 18/10 - SNS -- International lentil markets advanced in the face of growing worries about the status of crops in western Canada.

Ongoing delays seeding the crop have left markets resigned to the idea farmers will not plant as many lentils as intended.

Most long term weather forecasters agree that western Canada will experience a wetter than normal July through September period. While Environment Canada thinks it may also be warmer than normal, some private forecasters are looking for below normal temperatures.

After last year's experience, markets will be content if there is no summer frost and temperatures rise above normal in September and precipitation levels fall below normal. While that would ensure an orderly harvest, it will not change the risk of product shortages for early season shipment.