News Capsule: Pulse Sowing Expected to Decline in Canada in 2026
06-Mar-2026 12:33 PM
News Capsule: Pulse Sowing Expected to Decline in Canada in 2026
★ According to Statistics Canada, farmers are expected to slightly reduce the overall field crop area in 2026. While acreage for canola, barley, soybeans, and corn is likely to increase, the area under wheat, oats, lentils, and dry peas may decline.
★ The report is based on a survey of around 8,200 farmers conducted between December 12, 2025, and January 16, 2026. The agency noted that this was the first time seeding intentions were collected in December, and actual seeded acreage estimates will be released later in the year.
★ Lentil acreage is expected to fall by about 5.5% to around 4.1 million acres. In Saskatchewan, where nearly 90% of Canada’s lentils are grown, the area is projected to decline by 4.3% to 3.6 million acres, while in Alberta it may drop by 13.4% to about 489,500 acres.
★ Dry pea acreage is also expected to decrease by 12.3% to around 3.1 million acres in 2026. In Saskatchewan, it may fall by 16.6% to 1.5 million acres, while in Alberta it is expected to decline by 3.9% to about 1.4 million acres. Lower returns compared to other crops and tariffs imposed by importing countries are considered the main reasons for this decline.