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Pulses and Healthy Living

Pulses are an excellent food choice providing a wide variety of health benefits. The key nutrients pulses provide include fibre, protein, and iron. Pulses are also low in fat and saturated fat free, low in sodium, and cholesterol-free. Below are a number of fact sheets that deal with the affects pulse consumption can have on health related issues.

Pulses and the Environment

When you are eating products made from pulses, you are making a choice that is good for the environment. Pulses take less energy to grow than other crops, producing fewer greenhouse gases. Pulse crops are also one of the most environmentally- friendly sources of protein, contributing to sustainable food production by protecting and improving soil and water resources.

Buying Pulses

When buying dried pulses look for bright colour, uniform size and smooth skin without chips or shrivelled seed coats. Lentils, peas, beans and chickpeas can be found in most supermarkets, health food stores and ethnic food specialty stores. They are available in plastic packs, bulk, canned and sometimes frozen.

Canned pulses are very convenient as they are soaked and cooked and ready to use. Always drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to your recipe. A 540 ml (19 oz.) can of drained pulses is approximately equal to 500 ml (2 cups) of cooked pulses. A 398 ml (14 oz.) can of drained pulses is approximately equivalent to 375 ml (1 cup of cooked pulses).

Storing Pulses

Dry lentils, peas, beans and chickpeas will keep almost indefinitely if stored in tightly covered containers in a dry place at below 21 degrees C (70 degrees F). When exposed to light for long periods of time, pulses tend to lose their colour, but flavour, nutrition and texture will not be affected as long as they are tightly sealed. However, the longer a pulse is stored, the drier it becomes. This results in a product that takes longer to cook and may remain slightly tough after cooking. Therefore, it is best to use dry pulses within one year of purchase.

A great timesaving idea is to cook more pulses than you need for one recipe and refrigerate or freeze the remainder. Cooked pulses store well for 1-3 days in the refrigerator or for several months in the freezer. To refrigerate, cool the cooked pulses (leaving them in the cooking water to prevent drying) then store in the cooking water. If there is insufficient cooking water to cover the pulses, add boiled water to prevent them from drying out. To freeze, cool the pulses, then store in plastic, metal or glass containers in 250 to 500 ml (1 to 2 cup) portions ready to add to your favourite recipe.

Soaking Pulses

Before soaking or cooking dried pulses pick them over to remove any shrivelled or broken ones as well as foreign matter such as dried soil or pebbles, then rinse and drain. Lentils and split peas do not require soaking before cooking. Simply wash before use and cook immediately. Dried beans, whole peas and chickpeas require soaking before cooking. There are two methods of soaking pulses:

• The Long Cold Soak or Overnight Method: For every 250 ml (1 cup) of beans or whole peas, add 750 ml (3 cups) of water. Let stand 12 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Discard soaking water and cook beans or peas according to recipe.
• The Quick Soak Method: For every 250 ml (1 cup) of beans or whole peas, add 750 ml (3 cups) of water. Slowly bring to a boil and boil gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour. Discard soaking water and cook according to recipe. Using this method, beans absorb as much water in 1 hour as they do in 15 hours soaking in cold water.

Cooking Dry Pulses

Pulses can be cooked in a saucepan on top of the stove, in a slow cooker, in a pressure cooker, and for certain recipes such as baked beans, in the oven. Basic cooking principles remain the same regardless of which method is used. Acidic ingredients (such as tomatoes and vinegar) should be added only when the pulses are already tender, as acids and salt slow down the cooking process. Seasonings such as garlic, onion and herbs may be added to the cooking water right from the beginning.

Addition of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is sometimes suggested to speed up the softening of pulses during cooking, especially if using hard water. This increases water absorption, however, baking soda destroys thiamin, affecting the nutritional status of the final product. It may also affect the texture of pulses, making them too soft. Therefore, the use of baking soda in pulse cooking water is not recommended. In cases where hard water must be used, the amount of baking soda should be regulated to 0.5 ml per 500 ml (1/8 tsp. Per 16 oz) of cooking water. Soft water is preferable for both soaking and cooking.

Stove Top Cooking

To cook on top of the stove, combine soaked or dried pulses with water, 5ml or 1 tsp of oil (optional, prevents foaming), and seasonings in a heavy saucepan. Be sure to use a large enough saucepan, as pulses double to triple in volume during cooking. Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer until they are just tender and not mushy. Always simmer pulses slowly as cooking too fast can break the seed coats. Cooking times will vary with the type, age and quality of the pulses, as well as with altitude and the hardness of the water. The best way to check if pulses are done is to taste them. Cooked pulses should be tender, free of any ''raw'' taste, and can be crushed easily in your mouth. A 250 ml (1 cup) measure of dried pulses will yield approximately 625 to 750 ml (2 to 3 cups) when cooked.

Pressure Cooking

Pressure cookers cut down cooking time significantly and can be a real convenience, especially the newer models with clog-proof vents. Some models have a tendency to foam and clog with certain pulses. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation.

Oven Cooking

Many traditional pulse recipes call for baking in the oven over long periods of time. To reduce the cooking length of these dishes, a combination of stovetop followed by oven cooking can be used. Make sure sufficient liquid is present at all times during baking to prevent drying and hardening of the pulses.

Slow Cooking

Slow cookers offer a real time advantage in that they cook without any attention. However, it is sometimes hard to cook certain recipes thoroughly within a reasonable time frame. Experiment with your own slow cooker and follow manufacturer's instructions for the best result.

Pulse Puree

250 ml pulses (1 cup)

625 ml water or other liquid (2 cups)

Wash pulses, soak beans and whole peas as described in ''Soaking Dried Pulses''. Cover with water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer until the pulses are very tender (40-50 minutes for lentils or split peas; 1 - 2 hours for beans). Drain, reserving the stock. Blend pulses, adding enough stock to make a puree the consistency of canned pumpkin. As purée forms, stop and mix often until purée is smooth. Makes 500 ml (2 cups). Freezes well.

Gas-Free Pulses?

''Beans, beans, the musical fruit...". Pulses, such as beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas do tend to create gas for some individuals, but no more so than cabbage, broccoli, and many other vegetables and fruit. The complex sugars (oligosaccharides) found in pulses cause gas production. These sugars can not be digested completely and therefore pass from the upper intestine into the lower intestine. In the lower intestine, the oligosaccharides are metabolized by bacteria and this produces gas and bloating for some individuals. But, the good news is that there are a number of ways to significantly reduce the gas-producing factors associated with pulses:

1. Cook pulses thoroughly as undercooked starch is harder to digest.
2. Change the soaking water 2 or 3 times during the long cold soak.
3. When using canned pulses, or after soaking dried pulses, rinse before cooking.
4. Do not use the soaking liquid to cook the pulses.
5. Regular consumption gives your digestive system a chance to adapt and the intestinal gas problem will decrease. Start with small amounts, drink lots of water and gradually increase your pulse intake.
6. There are digestive enzymes on the market in liquid and pill form that help to eliminate gas. They are available in health food stores, pharmacies and most grocery stores.

If you are a Select Status seed grower and would like to have your name added to the list, please sign the Privacy Policy section of your breeder seed order form or contact us.

Pulse Variety Description Table 2013

SPG Research and Development Program

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) invests approximately 60% of its annual budget into research and development (R&D) to ensure the competitiveness of Saskatchewan growers and the profitability of the pulse industry as a whole. Our investments have provided significant benefits to the pulse industry.

The overall goal of the R&D strategy is to develop research outputs that will assist in the growth and sustainability of the pulse industry in Saskatchewan. SPG has been funding research projects since 1984 and much of the funding has been targeted at plant breeding, culminating in the development of the pulse breeding program in 1997 (see more information on this program below). Beyond pulse breeding, SPG's R&D program focuses on genetic improvement, optimizing agronomic practices, and end-use processing and utilization. In 2004, SPG initiated a genetic improvement program that specifically targets peas. (See below for more specific information on all these areas of focus.)

SPG’s R&D committee, comprised of knowledgeable persons from industry, government, and universities, makes recommendations to the SPG Board regarding the strategic direction of pulse research and research investment opportunities. SPG also collaborates with Pulse Canada on emerging research strategies that will lead to increased demand for Saskatchewan-grown pulses. SPG also collaborates with other provincial pulse grower groups, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture (among others) in funding selected pulse projects.

A study by researchers Richard Gray and Terry Scott in 2003 and updated in 2008 assessed the impact of SPG's investment
in pulse research on the industry. They found that every $1 of producer check-off invested
in research generated over $31 in returns to the industry, with $20 of that going directly back to producers.

Pulse Breeding Program

The Pulse Breeding Program is the result of a collaborative research agreement between SPG and the University of Saskatchewan's Crop Development Centre (CDC), which commenced on April 1, 1997. The principal objective is to develop new and/or improved varieties of pulse crops for Saskatchewan pulse growers, and to make them available on a cost-effective and timely basis. Through our investment in this program, pulse growers in Saskatchewan have royalty-free access to new and superior pulse crop varieties on an ongoing basis. Commercialization of pulse crop varieties occurs under the SPG Variety Release Program.

Based on the successful achievements of this program since 1997, SPG and CDC have agreed on a renewal of the breeding agreement, the Pulse Crop Advancement Agreement, for a new term of 15 years beginning in 2005. The revised agreement includes an expanded scope of research, which integrates pulse pathology and seed quality assessment into crop genetic improvement. SPG will provide about $21 million to the CDC under this program. In addition, SPG is also providing an additional two quarters of land and irrigation equipment for CDC research purposes.

Genetic Improvement

Beyond the pulse breeding program, SPG also funds research on the genetics of specific traits in pulses, the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility, the nutritional qualities of pulse seeds and flours, and a number of genomic- and molecular-tool development projects. The goal of all these projects is to provide plant breeders the tools and information necessary to produce superior breeding lines and crop varieties to release to pulse growers in Saskatchewan.

Optimizing Agronomic Practices

Agronomic research includes a variety of areas related to on-farm practices: crop production, soil management, controlling and managing weeds, diseases and insects, seeding practices, crop rotations, inoculant utilization, fertility management, optimum machinery utilization, and more.

End-Use Processing and Utilization

End-use processing research aims to promote the use of pulses in food products in Canada, North America and globally, primarily targeting the food sector. It also aims to investigate the health benefits of including pulses in human and animal diets, and supports work on establishing and furthering health claims associated with pulses in order to build demand and inclusion of pulses in the North American diet. 

Pea Genetic Improvement Program (PGIP)

The goal of this program is to ensure that the Western Canadian pea industry remains competitive in world markets, through access to and adoption of the best varieties available. PGIP was established to encourage pea breeders and breeding institutes to continue developing superior pea varieties for Saskatchewan growers, by providing a financial incentive to pea developers. This program recognizes the contributions made by both domestic and international private and public pea breeding programs to the development, growth, and success of the pea industry in Saskatchewan. SPG initiated this program in June 2004 for a three-year term and the initial payment was made for the 2003 crop year. The PGIP program was recently renewed for a fourth term for the 2012, 2013, 2014 crop years. There are currently five breeding institutes that participate in the program and SPG has made it a priority to actively seek out other pea breeders from the around the world to invest in developing varieties suitable for Saskatchewan. Their investments into pea breeding mean that Saskatchewan growers will have access to leading genetics and choice among pea varieties in the future.

Research Proposal Program

 If you are a researcher with a pulse project proposal or idea, contact us or visit our Propose Research page.

← back to selling & buying pulses

Canada’s annual production of field pea currently exceeds three million tonnes, and approximately 50% of that enters the domestic and export feed markets. More than half of these peas would meet the quality standards for human consumption, making feed peas a top-quality ingredient.

Canadian feed peas are also an excellent source of nutrients for all animal species. Peas are rich in protein, lysine and starch (23%, 1.8% and 44.9% dry matter, respectively) and therefore provide both the amino acids and energy required by high-producing animals.

Feed Pea Pricing

Feed pea pricing is determined within the open market. Feed peas and other pulses are not traded using futures contracts in any North American commodity exchange ‒ only spot prices are available. To determine prices on brokered feed peas, please consult the Pulse Company List to find a company that buys and sells feed peas.

Feeding Pigs

Peas are an economical and palatable feed ingredient well suited to meeting the nutrient requirements of hogs. The protein (23%), lysine (1.67%) and energy (DE=3485 kcal/kg; NE=2450 kcal/kg; 90% DM basis) content of peas allows them to replace both protein and cereal sources in hog diets.

The dietary pea inclusion maximums (g/kg-1) recommended for least-cost diets formulated to meet swine nutrient requirements are as follows:

Growing (50-80kg)
300 g/kg-1 (No practical upper inclusion limit)

Finishing (80-110kg)

300 g/kg-1 (No practical upper inclusion limit)

Weaning (16+ lbs)

Below 200 g/kg-1

Gestation

200 g/kg-1

Lactation

200 g/kg-1 (No practical upper inclusion limit)


Studies at the Prairie Swine Centre indicated that the DE value of individual pea samples could vary significantly. Eleven cultivars of peas grown in the same field contained swine DE levels ranging from 3098 to 3739 kcal/kg (90% DM basis). No correlation existed between swine DE and bushel weights in these samples ranging from 63.4 to 65.4 lb/bu (r2=0.2%). This data supports the swine DE value for peas of 3485 kcal/kg, but indicates that the uniformity of peas may benefit from a protocol to blend different lots of peas during handling and processing.

The PSC trial supported the equivalency of green and yellow peas in swine diets. Similar energy variability was seen for both yellow (n=7) and green (n=4) pea cultivars. In addition, the intake, growth performance and feed efficiency of green and yellow peas did not vary significantly from that of the wheat-based control.

According to Dr. Ruurd T. Ziljstra at the 2004 Focus on the Future Conference, the main contributing factor for changes in quality is dockage, and for any % increase in dockage, the DE content for diet formulation should be reduced by 1%. Another risk of dockage is the increased likelihood of palatability problems, due to unpalatable weed seeds. The direct implication that above a reasonable cut-off for dockage (1 to 2%), any increase in dockage should be directly reflected in a reduction in price.

Information sources:
Ziljstra, R.T., Fairbairn, R.L., Gillis, D.A., Whittington, D.L. and Patience, J.F. 1997. Nutritional value of field peas. Range of digestible energy content in 11 field pea varieties. Prairie Swine Centre Inc. 1997 Annual Research Report. University Press. Saskatoon, SK.
Ziljstra, R.T. and Patience, J.F. 1998. Nutritional value of field peas II. Performance of grower pigs fed diets adjusted for field pea DE content. Prairie Swine Centre Inc. 1998 Annual Research Report. University Press. Saskatoon, SK.

Feeding Fish

The nutrient composition of various pea-protein ingredients is suitable for use in the diets of carnivorous fish. Herbivorous fish such as tilapia are also able to use the starch component of peas.

Feeding Poultry

The University of Manitoba has examined the use of feed peas in poultry diets. True metabolizable energy, amino acid content and availability was determined for yellow, green and brown pea seeds. Recommendations for inclusion levels in broiler (200 g kg-1) and laying hen (400 g kg-1) diets are provided on the Manitoba, Agriculture and Rural Initiatives website.

University of Manitoba Research on Feeding Peas to Poultry

Feeding Cattle

Dairy Cattle
The University of Alberta used peas to replace 100% of the soybean in control diets fed to late lactation dairy cows. The milk production of these cattle was excellent and did not differ from that of the soybean meal control. In-field studies of pea-based concentrates used in a high-producing dairy herd (32-34 kg/day) confirmed performance was equivalent to soybean controls.

Beef Cattle
Studies involving the University of Alberta indicated that peas included at various levels in backgrounding beef cattle rations support excellent performance. The cost of production was similar to that seen with conventional backgrounding feedstuffs.

Other Animal Diets
Field peas have many nutritional properties that may be of interest to the pet food industry. The amylose:amylopectin ratio of pea starch provides a relatively slow rate of glucose release, a trait of potential importance to carnivorous species.

In 2009 SPG funded a research project that created pea-based dog food and then tested its effect on overweight dogs. The results were successful.

Grain and Feed Regulations

Feed peas are defined as green peas, yellow peas or a mixture of thereof. The Canada Grain Act legislates that feed peas may also contain a maximum of 5% other pulses, including Maple, Austrian Winter, and marrowfat peas. Yellow and green peas are both excellent feed ingredients for livestock and research supports their nutritional equivalency.

The Canada Grain Regulations define the quality standards of grains that are legal for trade within Canada. Three categories of peas exist within the Canada Grain Regulations: yellow, green and feed peas. Within each pea category, quality grades are assigned to define the maximum levels of downgrading factors present. Effective August 1, 2002, the total foreign material limit was removed from feed peas, and the new feed pea definition leaves foreign material maximums to be defined within the sales contract.

Canada Feed Regulations

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) verifies that livestock feeds manufactured and sold in Canada or imported into Canada are safe, effective and are labelled appropriately. By law, a mixed feed used within Canada shall not contain ingredients other than those approved within Schedule IV or V of the Feed Regulations.

Pea seeds and products approved as a Protein Feeds under Schedule IV, Part I, Class 5 of the Canada Feed Regulations are as follows:

5.3.16
Pea, field, protein product, spray dehydrated (or Pea protein) (IFN 5-17-726) is the product obtained after removal of most of the non-protein constituents from dried sound clean dehulled pea seeds Pisum sativum by wet milling followed by acid extraction, isoelectric precipitation and then spray drying. It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum crude protein, maximum crude fat, maximum crude fibre, maximum ash and maximum moisture.

5.3.17
Pea field seeds (IFN 5-08-481) is the entire seed from the field pea plant Pisum sativum.

5.3.44
Pea Meal (IFN -- --) is the product obtained by grinding cleaned whole pea seeds Pisum sativum. It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum crude protein, maximum crude fat, maximum crude fibre, maximum ash and maximum moisture.

Pea screenings approved as Energy Feeds under Schedule IV, Part I, Class 4 of the Canada Feed Regulations are as follows:

+ Schedule IV, Part I, Class 4 - Energy Feeds

4.3
Seed and Mill Screenings

4.3.1
Cereals grain screenings grade 1 (or No. 1 Feed screenings) (IFN 4-02-154) means No. 1 Feed Screenings referred to in the Off Grades of Grain and Grades of Screenings Order.

4.3.2
Cereals grain screenings grade 2 (or No. 2 Feed screenings) (IFN 4-02-155) means No. 2 Feed Screenings referred to in the Off Grades of Grain and Grades of Screenings Order.

4.3.3
Cereals grain screenings refuse (or Refuse screenings) (IFN 4-02-151) means refuse screenings referred to in the Off Grades of Grain and Grades of Screenings Order.

4.3.4
Cereals grain screenings uncleaned (or Uncleaned screenings) (IFN 4-02-153) means uncleaned screenings referred to in the Off Grades of Grain and Grades of Screenings Order.
The CFIA has approved new definitions for peas and other pulses, plus their screenings. These changes are approved but pending publication.

For more information about feed pulses, please contact us.

← back to selling & buying pulses

Submitting Check-Off Payments

Provincial legislation requires that pulse check-off payments are made at the first point of handling or sale of pulse crops, which means that pulse buyers have specific responsibilities under the Agri-Food Act (2004), Pulse Crop Development Plan Regulations and Pulse Board Orders to submit check-off payments. The documents below will guide pulse buyers through submitting these payments. Attention to detail in these documents is critical ‒ each year SPG spends thousands of dollars verifying and correcting submitted information.

1. Annual Registration — All pulse buyers must register with Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) on an annual basis.

       Pulse Check-off Registration Form 2012-13

2. Check-Off Collections and Report Submission — All companies submitting check-off to SPG must also provide a completed Pulse Check-off Remittance Form. Please refer to the Pulse Check-off Procedures Note and Pulse Check-off Report Format Instruction Sheet below before filling out the remittance form.

      Pulse Check-off Remittance Form

      Pulse Check-off Procedures

      Pulse Check-off Report Format Instruction Sheet

SPG is committed to collaborating with processors and buyers for the continual improvement and growth of the pulse industry and we sincerely appreciate your cooperation. For more information about submitting check-off, please contact us.

← back to selling & buying pulses

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) does not buy or sell pulse crops. If you are interested in purchasing Saskatchewan grown peas, lentils, chickpeas and/or beans, please refer to the Pulse Companies List  or contact the Canadian Special Crops Association.

The Pulse Companies List is a complete list of Canadian pulse brokers, buyers and processors who are licensed and bonded (unless indicated as exempt) through the Canadian Grain Commission.

View the Pulse Companies List

Note: For the purposes of this list:

• A pulse broker is a company that arranges transactions between buyers and sellers, usually without taking possession of the crop.
  A pulse processor is a company that handles and processes the crop; they may or may not be acting as agents for other companies.
  An SPG buyer is a company that has registered with SPG and that remits the pulse check-off. The word ''registered'' does not imply endorsement.

• The Canada Grain Act requires some elevators and grain dealers to have a Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) license and post security to cover their liabilities (what they owe) to farmers. Grain dealers and operators of primary, terminal and process elevators in Western Canada are licensed by the CGC. Seed cleaning plants which do not purchase grain and feed mills don't have to be licensed.
   
• SPG does not endorse any company over another and does not take responsibility for any transactions between these companies and their clients. It is the personal responsibility of individuals to satisfy themselves that any company they deal with is financially sound. Please take the time to ensure you're dealing with a reliable company. You can do this by asking the company questions, or for references. You can also contact the Canadian Grain Commission to check which companies are licensed.

Updating Company Information
If you represent a company in this list and need to change your information, please contact us.

← back to selling & buying pulses

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) does not buy or sell pulse crops. If you are interested in purchasing Saskatchewan grown peas, lentils, chickpeas and/or beans, please refer to the Pulse Companies List  or contact the Canadian Special Crops Association.

← back to selling & buying pulses

Growers are advised to use best management practices when it comes to contracts and selling pulse crops. Please see the sample contracts below, to be used as a guideline for buyers who use their own contracts.

• Deferred Delivery Contract
• Production Contract
• Standard Conditions Contract

← back to selling & buying pulses

Saskatchewan pulse crops qualify for the Advance Payments Program (APP), a financial loan guarantee program facilitated by the Canadian government. APP gives growers easier access to credit through cash advances, which translates into improved cash flow throughout the year and better opportunities for marketing agricultural products. New prices are set each spring and fall.

The APP is administered by the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). For more information visit the CCGA website or call toll-free 1-866-745-2256.

← back to growing pulses

Through Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) Variety Release Program (VRP), breeder seed varieties developed by the Crop Development Centre (CDC) are made available to eligible Select Status seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta with no royalty payment.

We hope to maintain the quality of the seed being released by utilizing the existing plot inspection system of the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA). Select Status certification is conferred by CSGA and individuals are advised to contact CSGA directly for more details on this process. Visit the CSGA website or call 613-236-0497 for more information. Proof of Select grower status must be received from CSGA before a grower is able to access breeder seed from the VRP.

Are you looking to purchase seed from a Select Status seed grower? Visit our Select Status Seed Grower Directory.

Pulse Variety Description Table 2013

Select Seed Growers News

• Want to be kept in the loop on the latest news for Select Status seed growers? Sign up for our Select Status Seed Grower Communications list in the box at the bottom of this page!
• Breeder Seed Application Package - Application packages are updated each January. If you have ordered Breeder seed through the VRP since 2005, a package will be automatically mailed to you in mid January, or available for pick up at the annual Select Grower Winter Meeting.

Do you have questions about the Select Status seed grower program, or are you a Select Status seed grower and have a question for SPG? Please contact us.

← back to growing pulses

Crop Protection Products

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) and Pulse Canada have been successful in increasing access to crop protection products for pulse growers through our participation in the Pest Management Regulatory Agency's (PMRA) Grower Requested Own Use Program (GROU). The GROU program gives growers the ability to import the United States version of a herbicide (including generic products) for their own use at a lower price. (View a list of products that have been approved under the GROU program).

• Five steps to GROU
• How to participate in GROU

Disease Management

Guidelines for Seed-Borne Diseases of Pulses

Please remember that these are guidelines only and are meant to help growers make decisions based on their seed test results. The guidelines are based on knowledge about disease biology and are not necessarily research-tested.

Pest Management

SPG's Pulse Production Manuals contain information about pest management in pulse crops. For information specific to controlling grasshoppers, follow the link below.

Grasshopper Identification and Control Methods Booklet

If you wish to receive a hard copy of this booklet, please contact us.

For any pulse disease or pest management issues, please contact the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Ag Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or aginfo@gov.sk.ca.

← back to growing pulses

Looking for the best way to grow lentils? The Clearfield Production System is the only system that consistently delivers on yield and crop quality. All it takes is four easy steps:

    1. Decide to grow Clearfield Lentils
    Source seed directly from your local seed grower.

    2. Get your seed Clearfield-Confirm tested
   Prior to growing or selling your farm-saved seed, have it tested at one of the Clearfield Lentil certified testing labs.

   3. Sign the Clearfield Commitment
   With no costs associated, this three-year commitment makes it easier to grow Clearfield Lentils and take advantage of all the benefits.

   4. Benefit from BASF crop protection products
   Along with high-performing red and green varieties, you can enjoy superior crop-safe weed control and industry-leading disease control from BASF's innovative portfolio of products.

It’s no wonder growers put their trust in the Clearfield Production System season after season, year after year.

Learn more about the Clearfield Production System for Lentils

← back to growing pulses

Pulse Production Manuals are available online as a free download, or in a hard copy format. All Saskatchewan pulse growers who are active (i.e. have sold or grown pulses in the last two years) are entitled to a free print copy of each manual (additional copies are available for a fee). For non-growers or growers outside Saskatchewan, print copies are available for a charge of $10 per manual, plus shipping and handling. To request hard copies, please download an order form below or contact us.

• Pea Production Manual 2011/12
• Lentil Production Manual 2011/12
• Chickpea Production Manual 2011/12
• Bean and Faba Bean manuals to come in late 2012

Haven’t received your copy of the Pulse Production Manual yet? Download the order forms below to get yours today!

• Production Manual Order Form for Non-SK Producers
• Production Manual Order Form for SK Producers

For more information on pulse production in Saskatchewan, please visit the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture website.

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Pulse growers who contribute pulse check-off dollars to the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) are eligible to earn a federal investment tax credit through the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program. The tax credit is based on the amount of check-off funds spent on research and development that meet specific criteria as set out by Canada Revenue Agency.

Growers can calculate their total check-off contribution by referring to their pulse sales receipts, which show the check-off allocation. Of this total, a certain percentage each year is eligible to earn an investment tax credit. This resulting check-off amount is eligible to earn an investment tax credit up to a maximum of 20% for individuals and up to a maximum of 35% for corporate producers that are Canadian controlled private corporations.

To claim the federal tax credit on their tax returns, growers must file a T2038 (IND) for farm proprietorships or a T2SCH31 for farm corporations. Corporations are also eligible for the 15% Saskatchewan R&D tax credit for research performed in Saskatchewan, using Schedule 403 to claim the credit on their tax returns.

All check-off investment tax credit applied against taxes payable or refunded must be reported by the grower as income in the subsequent year.

For more information on the process of claiming the tax credits, please consult your accountant. For information on the federal SR&ED investment tax credit, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website - SR&ED.

For the 2011 tax year, 45% of the Saskatchewan pulse check-off qualifies for the federal SR&ED tax credit.

• 2012 SR&ED Press Release
• 2011 SR&ED Press Release
• 2010 SR&ED Press Release

For more information on the SR&ED tax credit for pulse crops, please contact us.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) invests approximately 60% of their annual budget into research and development (R&D) projects into three categories — Agronomy, Breeding, and Processing and Utilization. Learn more about the SPG Research Program.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) and Real Agriculture have teamed up to bring you Pulse School, a series of online videos aimed at educating farmers on growing, marketing, and selling pulse crops.

2013

Episode 1: The 5 to 10 Year Pulse Demand Curve

The Canadian pulse industry can be proud of what it has accomplished in a relatively short time. From a tiny slice of the acres, to a set crop in many farmers’ rotation, pulses are a made-in-Canada success story. Pulse growers have enjoyed steady growth of their industry and international markets for the last 10 years. The question of the continuation of that trend and the rate of growth was the topic of Chuck Penner’s presentation at Pulse Days in early January. In this video, Penner, of Leftfield Commodity Research, summarizes the trends he sees emerging over the next five to 10 years.

2012

Episode 18: Pulse School: Tight Lentil Rotations Weighed on 2012 Crop

In this episode of the Pulse School, Bert Vandenberg of the University of Saskatchewan, talks about a new, exciting lentil variety with some star power and a new line with increased anthracnose resistance. He also gives an update on Canadian lentil markets around the world.

Episode 17: The Agronomics of Faba Beans

In the last Pulse School episode, Dr. Bert Vandenberg, lentil and faba bean breeder at the University of Saskatchewan, outlined the market development challenges facing the faba bean industry. He noted, however, that the varieties farmers have to choose from are already a very good fit for much of the prairies. In this episode of the Pulse School, Bert Vandenberg further outlines some of the agronomic challenges to growing faba bean, as well as some of the growing areas where they may be a good fit.

Episode 16: Where Are We at with Faba Beans?

In the last Pulse School episode, Dr. Bert Vandenberg, lentil and faba bean breeder at the University of Saskatchewan, outlines the market development challenges facing the faba bean industry. He noted, however, that the varieties farmers have to choose from are already a very good fit for much of the prairies.

Episode 13: The "Total Package" Approach to Chickpea Breeding

In any crop breeding program, there are many areas we must focus on to achieve successful varieties -- not just one or two. In chickpea, as with most crops, those areas include yield, disease resistance and competitiveness. But with chickpeas and other pulse crops, there are also the added concerns of end-user requirements, like protein content and overall appearance.

Episode 12: Where are We at with Lentil Breeding?

Any crop breeding program is a balancing act. For every problem you look to address, you potentially open the door to new and unexpected ones or risk losing desired traits. The more traits you try and breed into a crop, the more you have to think about how those traits affect each other. That's the situation lentil breeders find themselves in as they try and address the big issues facing growers and try to anticipate future issues as well.

Episode 11: Nodulation — Assessing the 'Brain' of the Plant

Roots are the brains of all crop types, including pulse crops. Inoculants play a key role in making sure the root fixes nitrogen properly in the soil. Healthy roots mean a healthy plant and the opportunity to create yield above ground.

Episode 10: Disease Triangle a Helpful Tool in Making Fungicide Decisions

In order to have an effective fungicide strategy, the approach behind it has to be more preventative than reactive. That approach can be a little scary sometimes when spraying based on a risk assessment instead of seeing actual symptoms. It's an approach that can leave you wondering if you did the right thing, but if it's done correctly it's the best possible strategy. The disease triangle is a helpful tool that enables growers to assess their risk and make the best decision possible. The triangle looks at three areas that may put your crop at risk for disease.

Episode 9: Why Spray Quality Matters — Fungicide Tips for Pulse Crops

A good fungicide program is important in your pulse crops. Variety selection, rotation, product selection and proper application of that product should all come together to get you the most bang for your fungicide buck. While all of those elements are vital to the health of your crop, your whole program could suffer if the last step of application is mismanaged.

Episode 8: It's Never Too Early To Scout

Getting to know your field should start early. You can most effectively notice when something has gone wrong with your field if you are familiar with it. The benefit of starting that process early is that you can see things like crop establishment issues and other stresses on the plants that you might not be able to see as the crop becomes more established. It also saves you from misdiagnosing an issue down the line.

Episode 7: Dealing with Herbicide Resistance in Pulse Crops

Weed control in pulse crops is an area that has to be managed well in order for your crop to reach its potential. Pulse crops are not very competitive once put into the ring with invasive weed species. While they're not exactly the 98-lb weakling of the agricultural world, they do need the playing field levelled in order to thrive. That means a timely and effective weed control strategy. Complicating that strategy is the issue of herbicide resistant weeds.

Episode 6: Pulse Management — The Weed-Free Period, Seedings Rates & Dry-Down Products

Spray timing, plant population and desiccants are very important elements to manage when it comes to weed control and the proper development of your pulse crop. According to Weed Biologist Eric Johnson of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, growers should start to plan weed control two to three years ahead. What that means is that in addition to spraying your crop, you consider the crops you place in rotation prior to your pulses with these questions in mind. Will they out-compete weeds? Can you use a pre-harvest glyphosate in those crops? How will your choices help to prepare the land for your pulse crop? Will any herbicide strategy you take on that crop affect my ability to market it?

Episode 5: When is it Too Late to Spray for Pea Leaf Weevil?

We've talked before about the damage the pea leaf weevil can do, but the current economics of peas add a sense of urgency to growers' scouting and control strategies. With pea prices being as strong as they currently are, the economic threshold for spraying for the pest is lower than it ordinarily would be. Taking control earlier makes good economic sense, especially in a profitable environment.

Episode 4: Are Pea Leaf Weevil Numbers on the Rise?

This year's mild winter has brought a number of concerns for growers about pests. The general thought is that the mild weather will either help pests survive winter, leading to increased numbers, or that the conditions would lead to pests being out and about much earlier than normal. Addressing those questions has an immediate effect on how and when we scout for pests, what measures we take and how we plan for the next year.

Episode 3: Which Pulse Diseases Should You Be Concerned About?

Disease pressure is one of the greatest yield robbers in pulse crops. This is why it's important to know just what we're up against in terms of disease threats in pulse crops this season. In order to prepare yourself, be prepared by knowing the history of your land as well as disease activity in your area. Disease identification is the first step in the disease management process. Once you identify the disease and the pressure levels, you can make better decisions on the fungicide you need to be using. Managing your disease pressure with fungicides is incredibly important in pulse crops.

Episode 2: Don't Lose Inoculant Bacteria Count by Being Careless

When using inoculants, time is one of the most critical factors affecting your product performance, as inoculants contain living organisms that can only survive outside the soil for a limited time. Depending on the formulation and application of that inoculant, that time frame can vary. The object, regardless of formulation, is to provide your plant with the maximum beneficial bacteria count. That means getting it in the ground as soon as possible after application minimize mortality of the bacteria.

Episode 1: How to Properly Store Pea/Lentil Inoculant on Farm

Now that you have probably picked up your pea or lentil inoculant from your retailer, you need to make sure that you are storing it properly on farm. You need to remember that your inoculant (whether liquid, granular or peat formulation) is a living biological organism that needs to be handled in a proper manner. Product that is damaged will result in deteriorated performance and, in extreme cases, could render your inoculant virtually useless.

For more information about Pulse School, or to suggest a Pulse School topic idea, please contact us.

PulsePoint is a quarterly magazine published every January, March, June, and October and distributed by the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG).

Receiving PulsePoint Magazine

PulsePoint magazine is distributed to all registered pulse growers in Saskatchewan. Any pulse grower in Saskatchewan who has sold pulses and paid check-off within the last two years is a registered pulse grower. If you are a registered pulse grower in Saskatchewan and are not receiving PulsePoint magazine, please contact us. To receive an electronic copy of PulsePoint by email, please contact us, or sign up in the box at the bottom of this page.

Advertising in PulsePoint magazine 

2012-13 PulsePoint Advertising Rate Card

Interested in advertising in PulsePoint magazine? Please contact Dennis Dowd, Blairmore Media, at (306) 373-6730 or dennis@blairmoremedia.com.

The Pulse Market Report is a monthly newsletter distributed by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) featuring market analysis and commentary aimed at helping pulse growers in Saskatchewan grow, market and sell their crops.

To be added to our distribution list, please contact us, or sign up in the box at the bottom of this page.

Check back soon for information on 2013 elections for Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Board of Directors.

Meet the Board of Directors and staff of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG)

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) is a not-for-profit organization representing and supporting more than 18,000 pulse crop growers in Saskatchewan.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide leadership for a profitable Saskatchewan pulse industry through research, market development and communications.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be the world leader in growth, quality, and value in the pulse industry.

Our History

The Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Growers Association (SPGCA) was formed by a group of nine pulse growers in 1976 so farmers could learn about the developing pulse crop industry, and determine ways to strengthen the industry. In a 1983 vote, growers chose to institute a mandatory, non-refundable check-off to fund programs that would develop the pulse industry and create demand for Saskatchewan pulse crops worldwide. The Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Development Board (SPCDB) was created and later became known as Saskatchewan Pulse Growers or SPG. Today, SPG represents more than 18,000 pulse growers across Saskatchewan and the organization continues to grow and strengthen the industry.

Our Leadership

SPG is guided by a Board of seven, producer-elected pulse growers from Saskatchewan, and 14 highly skilled and professional staff. Learn more about the SPG Board and staff.

Our Funding

A mandatory, non-refundable check-off or levy of 1% of the gross value of sale (plus GST) is deducted at the first point of sale or distribution when a grower sells a pulse crop (including peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, faba beans, and soybeans. Learn more about the pulse check-off. 

Our Programs

SPG invests grower check-off dollars in areas such as Research and Development (R&D), Variety Commercialization, Market Promotion, and Communications to benefit the Saskatchewan pulse industry.

Research and Development — Our program provides funding and leadership for ongoing research including:

• Disease management
• Genetic improvement and quality assessment
• Agronomy and weed control
• Processing and utilization of pulse crops

Learn more about the SPG R&D Program

Variety Commercialization — SPG supports the development of new pulse varieties through the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre’s pulse breeding program. Our Variety Release Program offers breeder seed without royalties to Select-status seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta, while specialty varieties are tendered to seed companies who bid on the opportunity to grow, disseminate, and commercialize seeds that are in a unique or niche market class. Learn more about the SPG Variety Release Program.

Communications — The primary goal of our Communications program is to ensure our growers have access to information than can help them make business decisions on their farm. Our key communications initiatives include:

• PulsePoint magazine
• Pulse Market Report
• Annual Report
• SPG website (www.saskpulse.com)
• Pulse Days
• Regional Pulse Development Workshops
• Pulse Production Manuals
• Pulse School
• Social Media - Twitter, Facebook, You Tube

Market Promotion — Our efforts focus on maintaining and expanding demand for our pulse crops in both our traditional markets overseas, and domestic markets in North America. Our promotional efforts are focused on the health and nutritional benefits of pulse crops and include a campaign to promote Canadian lentils in North America, local promotions to showcase all pulse crops, and an international strategy to sell more split green lentils into India. Some of our key initiatives include:

• Consumer sites — Recipes and Nutrition and www.lentils.ca
• Social media platforms — Twitter - Canadian Lentils, Twitter - Pulses and Health, Facebook - Canadian Lentils
• Recipe booklets

Operations — SPG staff members combine industry knowledge and individual expertise to deliver programs to support the three-year strategic plan developed by the SPG Board.

Policy — SPG provides leadership on issues such as government investment and regulation, transportation, producer security, crop protection and crop insurance.

Our Strategic Direction

SPG Board and staff continue to work hard to meet our mission and vision, and operate within the three strategic goals set by the Board of Directors in 2012.

Our Strategic Goals

Goal 1: To improve the on-farm yield of pulse crops in Saskatchewan by 30% by 2025.
Goal 2: To market seven million tonnes of Saskatchewan pulses by 2025.
Goal 3: To ensure unimpeded market access for Saskatchewan pulse exports.

Every buyer, processor, broker, assembler, exporter or marketer of pulses who acquires Saskatchewan grown pulses from a grower is mandated under provincial and federal legislation to deduct the pulse check-off.  A check-off of 1% of the gross value of sale (plus GST) is deducted at the first point of sale or distribution when a Saskatchewan grower sells a pulse crop (including peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, faba beans, and soybeans. The legislation applies to all pulses, regardless of how they were produced (i.e. conventional, organic, or other). Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) then uses the check-off funds to invest in Research and Development, Market Promotion, Communications, and general operations of the organization.

Check-off History and Regulations

The Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Growers Association (SPCGA) was originally funded by personal donations from its members, which limited the organization's capacity and scope. The organization decided to form a Board of Directors and to establish a check-off under the Provincial Natural Products Marketing Act. In 1984, pulse growers in Saskatchewan voted in favour of a mandatory, non-refundable check-off on all commercial sales of pulse crops in the province with the notion that all pulse growers would benefit, and all should pay the check-off.

Collection of the pulse check-off is required by provincial and federal legislation at the first point of handling or sale by the Agri-Food Act, under which the Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Development Board (SPCDB) (also known as Saskatchewan Pulse Growers or SPG) is established. The Pulse Crop Development Plan Regulations, originally written in 1984 and subsequently amended through Board Orders, outline the mandate of the organization and legal ability to collect the check-off. The Saskatchewan Agri-Food Council, an independent body appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and accountable to the Minister of Agriculture. The Council supervises the activities of all organizations established under the Agri-Food Act.

Am I Eligible for a Tax Break for my Check-off?

Yes, if you have paid check-off you are eligible to earn a tax credit through the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program. The credit is based on the amount of check-off dollars spent on research and development that meet the criteria set out by Canada Revenue Agency. Learn more about how you can earn your tax credit from the SR&ED program.

Voluntary Pulse Check-off for Seed Growers

The pulse check-off has been used for a number of activities of direct benefit to Select Status seed growers. These include support of the Crop Development Centre’s pulse breeding program, royalty-free seed to Select Status seed growers, agronomic research, communication tools such as PulsePoint magazine, and the Pulse Days conference.

Although there is no mandatory requirement for check-off submission on grower to grower sales, we do have growers that choose to submit voluntarily. The voluntary check-off submission form below can be used at your discretion for the period of September 2011 to August 2013.

2012-2013 Voluntary Check-off Form for Seed Growers

How Does the Pulse Check-off Compare to our Competitors?

• Saskatchewan Pulse Growers: 1.0% non-refundable
• North Dakota: 1.0% refundable
• Idaho: 1.0% non-refundable
• Washington: 1.0% non-refundable
• Australia (all crops): 1.0% non-refundable
• Alberta: 1.0% refundable
• Manitoba: 0.5% refundable

For more information about the pulse check-off, please contact us.

Read our Privacy Policy and Legal Disclaimer below.

PRIVACY

Your privacy is important to Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG). This statement discloses the privacy practices of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers website; www.saskpulse.com. The privacy policy of this website adheres to the latest privacy legislation enacted by the Government of Canada. Your privacy and personal information is protected by the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

SPG reserve's the right, at any time, to add to, change, update or modify our privacy policy (in accordance with federal legislation) by posting such change, update or modification on our website. Any such change, update or modification will be effective immediately upon posting on our website www.saskpulse.com.

If you have questions about our privacy policy contact Carl Potts, Executive Director at 306-668-6676.

If you do nothing during your visit but browse through our website and read the information contained on the web pages, SPG may gather certain information about your visit automatically. This information does not identify you personally.

SPG DOES NOT DISCLOSE ANY NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU WITH ANYONE FOR ANY PURPOSE THAT IS NOT SPECIFICALLY PERMITTED BY LAW.

SPG may automatically gather the Internet domain (for example, 'yourcompany.com' if you use a private Internet access account, or 'schoolname.edu' if you connect from a university's domain), IP address (an IP address is a number that is automatically assigned to your computer whenever you are surfing the web) from which you access our website, and the date and time you access our website and the pages you visit.

SPG may collect nonpublic personal information from you when you voluntarily provide personally identifiable information to us though our Website. SPG limits the use of such information to the purposes for which the information was provided. However, SPG reserve's the right to use such information for marketing/product development research and other similar purposes and/or to contact you regarding additional services or products that you may find useful.

If you send an electronic mail (email) message that includes personally identifiable information, for example, in an email message containing an inquiry, SPG will use that information to respond to your inquiry. Remember that email is not necessarily secure against interception. If your communication is very sensitive, or includes information such as your bank account, charge card, or social insurance number, you should not send it electronically unless it is encrypted or our website indicates the particular site is secure.

SPG employees may view information that you provide us in order to perform their jobs. SPG restricts access of your nonpublic personal information to those employees who need to know that information in order to provide you with products or services. SPG does not share nonpublic personal information to third parties who are not affiliated with us unless the law allows us to do so.

Our website may contain links to other websites that are provided and maintained exclusively by third parties. Websites provided and maintained by third parties are not subject to this privacy policy. Please review the privacy policies on those websites to understand the personal information handling practices. SPG makes no representations concerning the privacy policies of these third party websites.

LEGAL

The information and links contained on this website are being provided by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers for general information purposes only. This website may include links to third party websites over which Saskatchewan Pulse Growers has no control. Saskatchewan Pulse Growers makes no representations as to the accuracy or any other aspect of the information contained in such third party websites.

Furthermore, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers makes no representations about the suitability, reliability, availability, timeliness, and accuracy of the information contained on this website for any purpose. The information contained on this website is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers hereby disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to this website, including all implied warranties and conditions or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement.

In no event shall Saskatchewan Pulse Growers be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential damages or any damages whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with the use or performance of this website.

For information on growing pulses — including the different types of crops, their plants, seed size, shape and colour, as well as the best growing conditions for each crop — visit the Pulse Production Manuals section below. For more information about pulse production in Saskatchewan, please visit the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture website, or contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or aginfo@gov.sk.ca.

Pulse Variety Description Table 2013

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) does not buy or sell pulse crops. If you are interested in purchasing Saskatchewan grown peas, lentils, chickpeas and/or beans, refer to the Pulse Companies List  or contact the Canadian Special Crops Association.

What are Pulses?

The word “pulse” refers to the family of crops that are the edible seed of a legume. Pulse crops include pea, bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean, and more. The word ''pulse'' is derived from the Latin words ''puls,” or “pultis," meaning “thick soup.”

Pulses are packed with nutritional benefits. Learn more about pulse nutrition and cooking with pulses.

Canadian Production of Pulse Crops

Saskatchewan is the heart of the Canadian pulse industry. Saskatchewan farmers grow 97% of Canada's lentil crop,  83% of Canada's chickpea crop and 72% of Canada's dry pea crop. Our province also produces significant amounts of dry bean crops, as well as some faba beans and soybeans. Although pulse crops all have some similarities, each crop has its own unique features. Scroll down to see photos of the different pulse crops grown in Saskatchewan.

Canada is the world's leading exporter of lentils, peas, and chickpeas. There are more than 100 special crop processors in Saskatchewan that export pulses all over the world. The top pulse export markets include India, China, Turkey, Pakistan, Spain, and Mexico.

History of Canadian Pulse Production

Pulses did not play a significant commercial or economic role in Western Canada until the 1970s, when the wheat glut encouraged farmers to diversify into cash crops such as canola, lentil, pea and other. Pulses became a more attractive and commercially viable option for growers as herbicides that provided weed control options in these crops became registered and Dr. Al Slinkard and his co-workers at the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan were developing new, well-adapted lentil varieties.

Other factors that encouraged growers to embrace these new crops were changing markets (low prices for cereals), reduced summer fallow acreage, longer crop rotations, continuous cropping, and direct seeding. Because of their nitrogen-fixing ability, pulses were an attractive crop rotation option offering improved disease and weed control.

For more information on the history of pulse production in Saskatchewan and Canada, please contact us.

International Production of Pulse Crops

The world’s major producers of pulses are Canada, India, China, Myanmar and Brazil. These countries account for half of the global output. According to 2010 statistics from the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the most important legumes are beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, peas, pigeon peas, and lentils, together accounting for 86% of output. Of these, harvested area worldwide is made up of 39.3% dry beans, 13.9% cowpeas, 15.8% chickpeas, 8.3% peas, 5.5% lentils, and 6.3% pigeon pea.

Bean is the most important pulse crop in terms of area and production. Pea is the second most important pulse crop in terms of production and third in terms of area. Chickpea is the second most important pulse crop in terms of area and third in terms of production.

Pea is produced mainly in Canada, Australia and the United States and chickpea is produced and consumed mainly in India. Lentil is produced mainly in India, Turkey and Canada. Beans of various types are produced in many countries around the world.

Pulse Varieties

Every year, SPG and the Crop Development Centre release new pulse varieties, as well as descriptions of these new varieties for growers.

Pulse Variety Description Table -- 2013 Varieties

Pulse Crops

Lentils

Peas

Chickpeas, Beans & Faba Beans

About Us

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) represents more than 18,000 pulse growers in Saskatchewan. Accountable to growers and funded through a mandatory check-off, SPG is guided by a Board of Directors comprised of seven pulse growers from Saskatchewan, as well as 14 highly skilled and professional staff members. SPG’s mission is to provide leadership for a profitable Saskatchewan pulse industry through research, market development, and communications. SPG’s vision is to be the world leader in growth, quality and value in the pulse industry.

Media Contacts

For more information about SPG or to arrange interviews, please contact

Rachel Kehrig, Director of Communications and Market Promotion at r.kehrig@saskpulse.com or (306) 668-9988.

Logos and Photos

SPG logos and related photos are available upon request. Please email us at pulse@saskpulse.com with your specific request.

SPG Brand and Logo Usage Guide

At Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) we are committed to our vision is to be a world leader in growth, quality and value in the pulse industry. We cannot achieve this goal without supporting the youth of agriculture through our scholarship program.  Each year SPG awards five undergraduate scholarships to first-year students enrolled in the fall in a Saskatchewan-based post-secondary agriculture or pulse-related program. SPG also recognizes the need to foster interest in pulse crop research. To achieve this, SPG established two graduate scholarships to be awarded to students pursuing pulse based research at the University of Saskatchewan.

For more information about SPG scholarships, please contact us.

Please contact us. We'd love to hear from you.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG)
207-116 Research Drive
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3R3
Phone: (306) 668-5556
Fax: (306) 668-5557
pulse@saskpulse.com
www.saskpulse.com

The SPG office is located at Innovation Place Research Park, located next to the University of Saskatchewan campus, just off Preston Avenue between College Drive and Circle Drive.

At Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG), our vision is to be a world leader in growth, quality and value in the pulse industry. We cannot achieve this goal without supporting agriculture industry events and programs through our sponsorship program. Details of our program are outlined as follows.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for consideration for SPG Sponsorship, programs and projects must fit with one or more of our overall goals:

1. Building a prosperous Saskatchewan pulse industry.
2. Inspiring confidence in our industry among growers, policy-makers, researchers, suppliers, consumers, and other stakeholders throughout the value chain.
3. Encouraging stewardship and ethical practices in the production and marketing of pulses.
4. Contributing to grower and consumer education and providing an information link between growers, buyers, processors, and others in the pulse industry.

Sponsorship Requests


SPG will consider requests for sponsorship in the following areas:

• Financial contribution
• Donation of prize materials (such as cookbooks, mugs, etc.
• In-kind support (such as speaking at conferences or employees working on a projec

*These are guidelines only. SPG reserves the right to accept or decline any application.

Restrictions


This sponsorship program does not generally support the following:

• Individual applicant
• Research projects — SPG has a separate research funding process for research projects. Learn more about the research proposal process.

Application Process


SPG will accept applications throughout the year, but it is in an applicant's best interest to have applications in before May 31 each year to fit into our budgeting process. To assist us in considering your request for sponsorshop, download the PDF application below and send to SPG directly, or use the form below to submit your sponsorship request.

Downloadable Sponsorship Application

For more information about the SPG Sponsorship program, please contact us.

*These are guidelines only. SPG reserves the right to accept or decline any application.

Do you have an idea for a research project that requires funding from Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG)? If you are a researcher with a pulse project proposal or idea, please prepare a brief research summary and fill out the form below, or contact us. We can provide you feedback and direct you to collaboration opportunities.

Learn more about the SPG R&D program.

See below a list of events that may be relevant to pulse growers in Saskatchewan, or use the search function in the red box above to search by keyword.

Are you hosting an event you would like to see added to our event listings? Contact us.

Use the search function in red box above to search by keyword.

See below for articles and publications featuring Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) or the Saskatchewan pulse industry.

Garbanzo Bean Flour Plays a Starring Role in Gluten-Free Cooking - Celiac.com, November 2012

SPG-Funded Research Finds Beans Could Help Reduce Heart Risk for Diabetes Patients -- The Huffington Post, October 2012

Pulse Growers Launch New Site - Saskatoon StarPhoenix, September 2012

Checking Pulses at Innovation Place — Innovation Place, The Scene, August 2012

Residue Tolerance Levels Could Affect Markets — Western Producer, August 2012

Pet Food Excites Pulse Growers — Western Producer, June 2012

The Pulse of Saskatchewan — SPG at Work for Producers — Ag West Bio - Bio Bulletin, May 2012

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) does not buy or sell pulse crops. If you are interested in purchasing Saskatchewan grown peas, lentils, chickpeas and/or beans, please refer to the Pulse Companies List below or contact the Canadian Special Crops Association.

The Pulse Companies List is a complete list of Canadian pulse brokers, buyers and processors who are licensed and bonded (unless indicated as exempt) through the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). The Pulse Companies List is updated weekly. If you represent a company in this list and need to change your information, please contact us.

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