Canada cuts lentil and dry pea acreage as prices weaken

Canadian farmers significantly reduced planted areas of the country’s main pulse crops in 2026 as lower farmgate prices and weaker profitability encouraged a shift to more attractive crops. According to Statistics Canada, lentil acreage declined by 10.9% to 1.6 mln ha, while dry pea plantings fell by 14.1% to 1.2 mln ha.

The largest reductions were recorded in Saskatchewan, Canada’s leading pulse-producing province. Saskatchewan accounts for about 87% of the country’s lentil acreage and just over half of all dry pea plantings. Growers are increasingly shifting to canola, barley, corn, and soybeans, which currently offer stronger economic returns.

Despite the smaller planted area, crop prospects remain generally favorable. Across much of the Canadian Prairies, pulse crops are rated in good to excellent condition thanks to adequate soil moisture reserves. However, cool and wet weather has slowed crop development, while excessive rainfall has caused localized flooding and delayed growth in some regions.

In Saskatchewan, about two-thirds of pulse crops are developing at a normal pace, while the remainder are behind schedule due to unfavorable weather. Similar conditions are being reported in Manitoba, where excess moisture is also delaying crop development.

Analysts say the final Canadian pulse harvest will largely depend on weather conditions during the second half of the summer. If cool and wet weather persists, yield potential could be reduced. However, current soil moisture reserves provide a solid foundation for a good crop if conditions improve later in the season.

Tags: Canada, pulses, lentil, pea