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VI. Production Economics and Markets Only a small part of dry pea crop is used for human foods such as pea soup. The balance is exported or used for livestock feed or seed. Research by the Animal and Poultry Science Department, University of Saskatchewan, has shown that a ground pea-barley mixture (40 percent peas with a 22.5 percent protein content) with iodized salt and a mineral-vitamin premix resulted in a 16 percent protein grower-finisher ration suitable for hogs. Feeding studies indicate use of field pea alone and in combination with canola meal provides an excellent protein source for grower-finisher hog rations. A relatively high proportion of the pea crop (10 to 12 percent) is required for seed. This is due to the high seeding rate required to produce a satisfactory stand of this large-seeded crop. Research by the Plant Biotechnology Institute of the National Research Council has resulted in the development of a process for milling dry pea seeds into hulls, flour, pea protein concentrate, and pea starch. A continuing research program at the University of Saskatchewan involves development of new uses for these pea products. Some of the more promising uses developed for pea starch is in the purification of potash and in the manufacture of carbonless carbon paper. Some pea splitting is done in the edible market. This process adds value to the product before it is shipped to the buyer. Premium prices are associated with the human food and seed markets. Selling peas in the premium markets is a greater challenge than marketing a traditional small grain crop. Premium pea markets are normally limited and require a more aggressive approach by the grower. Pea markets should be identified before peas are produced to optimize the ability to harvest a crop that will meet market standards. For example, when marketing food-grade peas, numerous factors that affect market grade include market class (e.g., green or yellow cotyledon, specialty types), seed size and shape, splitting potential, harvest moisture, seed handling techniques during harvest and storage, and seed damage factors (e.g., bleached, cracked seed coats, splits, shriveled seed, earth tag, and chalk spot) After harvest, the crop needs to be graded to determine markets or options for the grower. A representative two-pound sample may be sent to the Northern Plains Grain Inspection Service, 1110 North 43rd Street, Grand Forks, ND 58208, http://www.npgis.com/services.htm. Peas grading U.S. No. 1 or 2 qualify for the human food market (Table 6). It is important to keep abreast of current markets by using sources such as written or electronic agricultural publications. Due to limited market opportunities for human food grade peas, make sure local, state, or regional buyers are aware of the quality and quantity of crop you have available for sale. An additional market option for human grade peas is the PL-480 program, a U. S. government program designed to distribute surplus commodities to aid developing nations. USDA Whole Yellow & Green Dry Peas Table 6. USDA grading standards for dockage-free peas.
(Source: North Dakota Peas and Lentil Organization) |
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