By ALEX MCCUAIG, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The prospect of a bumper crop of pulses for southeastern Alberta farmers has melted somewhat under the blazing heat dome that covered the province over the past two weeks.

While pulse crops include fava and soy beans, lentils and dry peas are the primary types grown in the region.

According to the executive director of Alberta Pulse Growers, the timing of this year’s heat will likely affect yields.

“When it gets too hot, the flowers get blasted,” said Leanne Fischbuch, adding the heat came just as the blooms popped.

The heat has left dry peas’ growth stunted, ranging from 12 to 14 inches tall, with only two or three pods, said Fischbuch.

Lentils aren’t fairing much better.

The heat descending on the area, “will be a factor in the end for yields,” she said.

This item is reprinted with permission from the Medicine Hat, AB Medicine Hat News. For the complete article, click HERE

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