Grain prices at record levels should not hide the valuable benefits of protein crops, advises BEPA (the British Edible Pulse Association).  Wall-to-wall wheat may be the phrase of the moment, but protein prices have kept pace, and the extra agronomic benefits of protein crops have not gone away.

“This season’s cereal price hike is clearly good news and is encouraging growers to ramp up their wheat and barley acreages,” said Stuart Cree, BEPA’s secretary.  “But it is important to keep a perspective and remember that protein crops also bring a valuable agronomic benefit to the equation.”

“Some are not quantifiable in hard cash – for example, spreading the harvest load and improved soil structure and drainage.  But others can be clearly seen on the farm balance sheet.  For a start, the residual N benefit can be worth around £15/ha at current fertiliser prices,” he noted.

Mr Cree’s comments were endorsed from a farm gate view by Nickerson’s Joss Vincent.  “As plant breeders we see crops from all over the country, and while yields have been variable, many growers are getting worthwhile results from winter crops already harvested.  And the belated arrival of good weather means that many spring crops have benefited from late pod fill to give enhanced yields.”