Marketing Lentils

[mbratrud]

It is Natural to think that because quality is poor the price should go up for good stuff. But JD green is a prime example of what happens. Producers are more motivated to move poorer Quality. Which we have seen in the past can push prices lower. .36 for #2 LG this Morning. Some of the best prices we have seen in the past 4 years for LGL were .40 cents. Just some food for thought.

[cottonpicken]

Can somebody give some guidance for next years
seed?

What you dont want to see in the sample?

[JDGreen]

not worried about seed CP. Treatments like apronmax etc. can do a lot to save your crappy diseased seed as long as the germ and vig is decent..

[JDGreen]

mbratrud how much experience do you have marketing lentils??? Im not sure what Im a prime example of.. Please explain

[mbratrud]

JDGreen, I have been growing and marketing Lentils for about 11 years now and my Father-In-Law for about 20.

It has been our observation over the years that producers are more likely to "dump" poor quality, and become less concerned with price. (to a certain point) As far as specific years I would need to go back and look, but it is not uncommon to see prices drop in years when quality is poor for this reason. 2004? 2005? 2006?

Not saying that is going to happen, and in our area it may be beyond just poor quality. Lentils in the field could be complete write off. Ready to combine for a month and anywhere from 3 to 6 inches in the last 30 days.

I am simply making a point that guys need to consider.

[JDGreen]

2004 05 06 were supply/demand fundamentals.. Now 2002 was a year where quality was crap yet they brought a very fair price. Guys that panicked dumped like you say on the market early for 12 cents yet the same crap fetched 22 cents within 60-90 days. I will not panic and dump on the market. Been to this dance a few times already. Best of luck to you I think we must live in same area.

[mbratrud]

We will all need a little luck here I think.

Where are you at JDGreen?

I am near Weyburn.

2002 was the type of year I am refering to. 2004 had some issues as well with frost damage.

[Kodiak]

Hey guys, I think I have the answer! The CLB. Canadian Lentil Board. With a monopoly. It could really help. Blend the prices of the low grades with the high grades. Force everybody into a pool and then it won't matter what you do, it's out of your hands! And JD and Mark, you won't have to worry about a marketing strategy or about trying to understand market psychology. You'll both get the same price and everything will be just rosy!

Simple.

[mbratrud]

Kodiak, What fun would that be?!

[wmoebis]

Becareful Kodiak, I jokingly mentioned that about a year ago on here and almost got shot.

However you made me wonder how many lentils are bought in the lower grades and blended out into top grades by the buyers for sale? Maybe some of the lentil buyers/shippers on here could answer?

A lot of low grade wheat is bought and blended up and shipped for the grain companies profit.