Statistics Canada published their 2025 seeded acreage report on June 27. For both lentils and peas, the June seeded acreage numbers represent a significant change from their earlier estimates. In this episode Carl Potts, SPG’s Executive Director speaks with Marlene Boersch of Mercantile Consulting Venture to learn her thoughts on these latest numbers and the state of pulse markets today. Read Marlene's latest pulse market report here....
Jul 02, 2025•33 min
Trade-related uncertainty is more prominent than ever in theCanadian pulse industry. These challenges underscore the ongoing need to prioritize market development and diversification of Canadian pulses and pulse ingredients into new uses and new markets around the world. In this episode, learn about recent shifts within the national pulse market development strategy in response to recent trade uncertainty including a focus on pet food, small-seeded chickpeas, and regions like Latin America, the ...
Jun 17, 2025•15 min
In this latest podcast episode, SPG's Stuart Lawrence and Clinton Monchuk from Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan dive into why trust in Canada's food system matters—not just for consumers, but for the people behind the food: the farmers. Why transparency matters How misinformation can hurt farms What farmers are doing to earn and keep your trust Whether you are a consumer or part of the ag industry—this episode is for you. Listen now and learn why trust is more than a buzzword and core to Canadi...
Apr 30, 2025•29 min
In this episode, SPG Director Gerrid Gust is joined by Kyle Larkin from Grain Growers of Canada (GGC). Kyle breaks down the priority issues facing Canadian farmers during the federal election including what the future holds for the carbon tax, capital gains tax, and trade uncertainty. Learn More About GGC's Efforts Read the latest issue of GGC on The Hill
Apr 02, 2025•29 min
Seeding is just around the corner, but market uncertainties are in full swing. Between threats of U.S. import tariffs swirling about, Indian tariffs on lentils and possible tariffs on peas, and surprise Chinese tariffs on peas, the magnitude of these unstable markets is causing more farmers to reevaluate planting decisions. In this episode, SPG Board Member Shaun Dyrland talks to Chuck Penner, President of LeftField Commodity Research to discuss Statistics Canada’s Seeded Area Estimates Report a...
Mar 27, 2025•32 min
The 2025 winter pulse meetings have come to a close and we learned lots from leading industry experts on the latest developments in the pulse industry and what growers need to know. In this episode, SPG Agronomy Managers discuss their key takeaways from winter meeting presentations including research in advancing solutions for root rot, the state of herbicide-resistant weeds in Saskatchewan, and seed quality going into this year's production season. Learn more about the work discussed in this ep...
Feb 14, 2025•31 min
In this episode, SPG Board Member Terry Youzwa interviews Vicki Dutton, the 2024 Pulse Promoter Award winner and a trailblazer in the pulse industry, to discuss her passion for pulses. She discusses the early days of growing pulses in Saskatchewan and offers insight into her vision for the future of sustainable food.
Jan 16, 2025•25 min
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, SPG Agronomy Managers 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 .
Dec 05, 2024•5 min
In this episode SPG's Seed Program Manager chats with Lynnell Pomedli from Seed Source and Ken McDougall from McDougall Acres. They discuss new pulse varieties including chickpeas, lentils, and peas. Are you aware of the regulatory changes coming to the faba bean market? This episode provides essential information for growers about low vicine/convicine (LVC) faba beans and considerations for producing them.
Nov 26, 2024•34 min
In this episode, SPG’s Executive Director is joined by Kyle Larkin from Grain Growers Canada (GGC) and Brad Blackwell, SPG Director. Their discussion highlights many recent accomplishments and ongoing policy initiatives that GGC focuses on. From the Canada Entrepreneurs' Incentive Program to follow up on the rail strike, learn how GGC is working to advocate for Canadian farmers. Learn more about GGC's efforts: www.protectfamilyfarms.ca www.interswitching.ca www.keepcanadatrading.ca...
Nov 05, 2024•42 min
In this episode, SPG’s Director of Research & Development is joined by a panel of experts: SPG Agronomy Manager, Research and Extension Manager with Alberta Pulse Growers, and Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers Executive Director. They discuss new developments in the fight against root rot in pulses, including the Root Rot Task Force, collaboration and new initiatives, significant investments in root rot research, and more. The Root Rot Task Force , consisting of contributors from Alberta Pu...
Sep 10, 2024•42 min
Pulse harvest is underway in some areas of the province, while others are expected to begin soon. In this episode, SPG’s Agronomy Managers, Meagen Reed and Mike Brown, along with SPG summer student Emily Wudrick, discuss how pulses are faring as they make their way to the bin. Additional Resources: Review Harvest Aid Options for Pulses Check the 2024 Product Advisory Try the Pre-Harvest Interval Calculator Lentil Reproductive & Maturity Staging Guide Watch Staging Peas for Harvest...
Aug 07, 2024•22 min
Missed our Ag in Motion kick-off breakfast? Catch the conversation in this episode, where RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney hosts a dynamic panel of industry experts to explore the innovative pathways shaping the future of pulse breeding, variety commercialization, and royalties. Hear why building a competitive breeding environment is essential for the pulse industry to remain competitive in Western Canada, learn the facts about this direction, and hear about exciting innovation to make you as produ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Statistics Canada published their estimates of principal field crop areas for the year 2024 on June 27. In this episode of the Pulse of the Prairies podcast Jasmine Hanson, SPG’s Digital Marketing Manager, interviews Marlene Boersch of Mercantile Consulting Venture to discuss her thoughts on the report and its findings, where global supply and demand are currently sitting, and her marketing advice for producers once the 2024 pulses are in the bin. Read Marlene's latest pulse market report here. ...
Jul 04, 2024•27 min
In this episode, SPG Agronomy Manager Meagen Reed talks to Greg Bartley, Director of Crop Protection & Crop Quality with Pulse Canada. Their discussion includes the product advisory guidelines for pulses and the market risks that can arise from using certain crop protection products off-label. Listen to this episode to learn how to keep your pulse crop export-ready.
Jun 18, 2024•21 min
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 results of Canadian national market development efforts over the past year. Their discussion touches on outcomes such as using peas in pet food, serving lentils on foodservice menus, and developments in end uses for faba bean ingredients such as flour, dairy and dairy alternatives, and protein performance....
May 29, 2024•28 min
Summer is knocking on the door and SPG's Agronomy team has several projects and events keeping them on the road this year. In this latest episode SPG Agronomy Managers Meagen Reed and Mike Brown introduce our 2024 Summer Field Agronomist, Emily Wudrick, and discuss the work she will be doing to monitor pulse fields across Saskatchewan in the coming months. Meagen explains this year's Applied Research & Demonstration projects, Mike details the pulse variety showcases and field scale trials, a...
May 22, 2024•11 min
In this episode SPG Board Chair, Winston van Staveren, sits down with Brian Innes, Executive Director with Soy Canada, to recap the recently held Soy Canada Northern Soy Summit. Highlights include important dialogue between researchers, growers, exporters, and processors, with discussions focused on improving the perceived value of Canadian soybeans to match the actual value.
May 07, 2024•25 min
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 Researc...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr
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.
Jan 10, 2024•32 min
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 ....
Dec 14, 2023•5 min
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 dr...
Nov 28, 2023•19 min
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 → Inocu...
Nov 23, 2023•19 min
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....
Oct 25, 2023•31 min
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 ...
Sep 15, 2023•21 min
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....
Aug 02, 2023•27 min
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.
Jul 12, 2023•30 min
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 → INSECTICIDE OPTIONS IN 2023→ PRAIRIE PEST MONITORING NETWORK → ADJUVANTS: WHAT THEY DO & HOW THEY DO IT → OPTIMIZING SPRAY APPLICATIONS →...
Jun 14, 2023•23 min
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....
May 26, 2023•28 min
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. Read the New Fact Sheet on Optimizing Spray Applications Read the New Fact Sheet on Adjuvants...
May 12, 2023•36 min
