Lentil Intentions Dismay Markets
PANAMA - Apr 28/18 - SNS -- Lentil markets were dismayed by Statistics Canada seedings intentions report. Having expected farmers to say they would reduce area by around one million acres, the reported 355,000 acre reduction to 4.05 million was a surprise.
It is not correct to say the numbers are wrong. The most that can be said is that is the actual seeded area will most likely be different. During the past five years farmers planted an average of 10% more land to lentils than originally intended. Since 2006, the only year the final seeded area was less than the intentions was 2011, when farmers planted 5% less. Last year the intentions were virtually identical to actual plantings.
This does not mean the report is wrong. Arguing otherwise, confuses a statement by farmers about what they would like to do with what they actually do. Nor does it mean farmers will not plant fewer lentils than intended.
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