Lentil quality becomes a concern

Widespread rain across the southern grain belt in recent weeks is causing crop quality concerns, particularly with large green lentils.

There was a big shift this year from red lentils to green lentils, particularly large greens, because the green lentil price was substantially higher. However, large green lentils can lose quality quickly if the weather turns wet when the crop is nearly mature.

That’s what has happened for many growers. In some cases, fields were desiccated and almost ready to combine and then were hit with numerous rains.

Too many bleached seeds in a sample causes downgrading and that comes with a lower price. Many observers expect the price discount for No. 3 and lower grade lentils will widen because a significant portion of the crop could be lower grade.

In addition, seed that has gone through a number of wetting and drying cycles is more prone to cracking. Producers won’t really know the quality damage until combining becomes more general.