Pulse growers in the Esperance port zone delivered a record 45,000 tonnes of field peas last season and are expected to increase plantings in 2004. 

The record harvest exceeded the previous highest delivery of 32,000 tonnes in 2002.

Western Australia Department of Agriculture grain legume researcher Mark Seymour said the record tonnage was due to the increased area sown to field pea and the excellent seasonal conditions in the majority of the port zone.

“The area sown to field peas continues to expand from around 3,000 hectares in 1996 to just under 20,000 hectares in 2003,” Mr Seymour said. 

“There is now considerable interest in field peas and the Department is getting requests for field pea trials from farmer groups in other parts of the wheatbelt who have not previously looked to field peas as an option.”

The Pulse Association of the South East (PASE) has set a target of 45,000 hectares of field pea over the next five years. PASE will host their annual general meeting on Monday 5 April at the Scaddan Country Club to provide an update on the crop’s success.

 “Farmers recognise the many benefits of including field peas in their continuos cropping rotations.  These benefits include the ability to manage grass and broadleaf weeds through delayed sowing, effective herbicide strategies and crop topping,” Mr Seymour said. 

“As well as reducing the incidence of cereal root disease, field peas are also renowned for limiting the build-up of root lesion nematodes boosting returns in the following wheat crops.”

Mr Seymour said there was currently a huge amount of interest in the new semi-leafless field pea line Kaspa which offered better harvestability while maintaining or increasing yield. 

He said demand for Kaspa was outstripping supply in 2004 and would lead to a further increase in the area sown to field pea.

“Years such as 2003 which show the suitability of field pea to the region and the benefits that new lines such as Kaspa are showing auger well for the port zone to achieve this target,” Mr Seymour said.

The PASE annual general meeting on Monday 5 April  commences at 5.30pm.  The Association will discuss the sale of the 2003 field pea crop and the Department of Agriculture will update progress on the Blackspot model, agronomy of Kaspa and swathing peas.