PHOTO: Alberta Pulse Growers Chair Shane Strydhorst speaks during today’s annual general meeting held in Edmonton.
The 2023-24 crop year presented a complex landscape for Alberta’s pulse industry, marked by unpredictable weather patterns and global trade challenges. Shane Strydhorst, chair of the Alberta Pulse Growers, reflected on the past year during his annual report that he gave at today’s APG annual meeting. The AGM was held during the CrossRoads Crop Conference in Edmonton, at which the organization marked its 35th anniversary.
Strydhorst, who farms in Neerlandia, emphasizing the vital role trade plays in ensuring the pulse sector’s resilience and growth.
“It was a year of extremes,” Strydhorst noted. “Some regions faced terrible flooding, others endured severe drought, while a few experienced good conditions. And, of course, there was enough forest fire smoke for everyone.” These varied conditions ultimately resulted in an average crop, coupled with declining prices. “Last year, our service fees dropped to $5.2 million, a significant decline from $7 million the year before,” he explained.
Despite financial fluctuations, Strydhorst highlighted APG’s continued investments in research and advocacy. Notable initiatives included launching rootrot.ca in collaboration with Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. “Partnerships are at the heart of what we do,” he said. “They allow us to leverage grower dollars and amplify our efforts in research and advocacy.”
Trade, however, remains a cornerstone of Alberta’s pulse sector. Styrdhorst emphasized the critical role of collaboration through Pulse Canada, where he serves as vice chair. “Pulse Canada was instrumental in minimizing disruptions caused by rail and port strikes last year,” he said. “But these disruptions put our reputation as a reliable supplier at risk. Every time there’s an issue, our global standing takes a hit.”
The Canadian pulse industry’s ability to maintain strong international relationships is key to overcoming such challenges. Strydhorst recounted a 2023 trade mission to China, where he joined other Pulse Canada directors to strengthen ties with Chinese importers and processors. “We developed relationships that have been reinforced by subsequent trips,” he shared. “These relationships are vital for keeping our products moving, especially with increasing competition and diplomatic tensions between our governments.”
India, China, and the United States remain Canada’s largest pulse markets, and Strydhorst underscored the need for proactive engagement to secure these markets. “Through Pulse Canada, we continue to promote strong business-to-business relationships globally, focusing on these critical markets,” he said.
Closer to home, Alberta Pulse Growers is actively involved in advocacy efforts. Through Team Alberta Crops, the organization collaborates with groups like Alberta Grains and Alberta Canola to provide the provincial government with unified advice on crop sector issues. On a national level, their work with the Grain Growers of Canada tackles pressing concerns such as carbon taxes and rail policies.
In addition to advocacy and trade, Alberta Pulse Growers remains committed to consumer engagement. Initiatives like Taste Alberta aim to promote pulses to classrooms and consumers. “Promoting pulses at home is just as important as securing markets abroad,” Strydhorst said.
Concluding his remarks, Strydhorst expressed his gratitude to the Alberta Pulse Growers staff. “Their creativity and enthusiasm in research, extension, and policy ensure that we continue to deliver the best outcomes for our farmers,” he said.
