Canadian pea and lentils in 2026 / China reopens, India is calling, and ample seedings despite carry-in concerns - Pulse Pod

Canadian pulse acres came in higher than expected despite burdensome carry-in stocks, as stronger canola economics only partially pulled land away from peas and lentils.
China’s return to the Canadian market and renewed demand prospects from India are helping restore confidence in export movement after months of trade disruption.
Rising freight and fuel costs linked to the conflict in Iran are adding fresh uncertainty to export logistics just as Canadian growers begin the new seeding season with improved soil moisture.

On pea and pulse acres; acreage defies predictions

“Acres are still the big question for pulses. If we start with peas, StatsCan have estimated 4.1 million acres or so, but I thought it would be less than that; I believed it would be just under 3 million.”

“If I'm using my estimation of three million acres for the peas with average yields, then we are back to about 2.8 MMT versus about 3.8 MMT the year before last year, where we had around 24% percent above average yields. However, we also have a big carry-in. We were very spoiled last year with high yields on all crops. If we go back to normal, it changes the equation monumentally and should compensate for some of the big carry-in.”

“In my opinion, the big acreage change will be towards more canola as opposed to a little bit of tinkering on pulses. Canola is the crop that looks the best paying this year, and wheat and some of the other major crops are not looking so cozy.”