Summary

This project explored whether pulses grown for protein, rather than yield alone, could be profitable for South Australian growers under future plant-based protein markets. Two years of field trials and national variety data showed a consistent trade-off between grain yield and protein across pulses. Lentils produced the highest protein levels, with environmental conditions such as heat, frost and soil constraints strongly influencing outcomes. An economic analysis found current grain markets remain more profitable than plant-based protein markets unless protein prices exceed $4–5/kg of raw protein. Results highlight that crop and variety choice will depend on whether growers are targeting yield, protein, or a balance of both.

Background

Global demand for plant-based protein is growing, driving increased interest in pulses as a protein source rather than solely a grain commodity. However, Australian pulse production systems and pricing structures are currently geared towards yield and export grain quality, not protein levels. South Australian growers considering future protein-based markets for pulse crops need clear information on how protein levels vary with environment, crop type and variety, and whether producing grain for protein could be profitable under realistic price scenarios.

Research Aims

The core objectives of the project were to:

• Evaluate genetic variation for grain protein and yield in field pea, lentil and faba bean
• Identify crop and variety options suited to pulse expansion areas in South Australia
• Assess the profitability of producing pulses for protein under current and potential future market scenarios.

In The Field

Field trials were conducted over the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Tarlee, Condowie, Tooligie and Coomandook. Six field pea varieties, six lentil varieties, three faba bean varieties and three wheat varieties were assessed. Trials were managed using best-practice agronomy, with yield, grain protein and soil properties measured and seasonal conditions monitored.

To strengthen the analysis, grain samples from National Variety Trials (NVT) were also tested. This included more than 60 pulse NVT sites across South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia over two seasons. Grain protein was measured using calibrated near-infrared spectroscopy at SARDI’s Clare Research Centre.

An economic analysis was undertaken using trial data and regional benchmarks to compare returns from traditional grain markets with hypothetical markets, with pricing based on protein level.

Results

Significant variation in grain yield and overall grain protein percentage was recorded across all sites and years. This provided a broad range of both yield and protein data to compare with the soil and environmental information collected from each site.

Across all crops and environments, a clear negative relationship was observed between grain yield and protein percentage. Higher yielding crops generally produced lower protein grain, confirming a key trade-off growers would face in a protein-focused market.

Environmental conditions strongly influence protein levels, with higher temperatures increasing protein in faba beans. In lentils, smaller grain size generally resulted in higher protein levels. Following frost events, the protein levels in lentils were found to be higher, suggesting that the reduction in grain size increased the protein concentration. This is especially relevant when looking at protein market opportunities. Low-quality, frost-affected grain may still have value because of its higher protein levels, offering an alternative use.

High soil sodicity was correlated with lower protein in field peas and faba beans, suggesting that protein targets may be harder to achieve on soils with this constraint.

Crop type and variety choice also influenced protein levels. Lentils consistently recorded the highest grain protein across sites and seasons, with GIA Thunder recording the highest protein yield in economic analysis of trial results. Faba bean variety PBA Marne and field pea variety PBA Pearl recorded relatively stable performance, delivering the best balance between yield and protein across environments.

Economic modelling showed that under current grain pricing, lentils were the most profitable crop at Tarlee and Condowie, while wheat and field peas were more profitable at Tooligie and Coomandook. When protein-based pricing was modelled, pulses only became competitive if protein prices exceeded $4–5/kg of raw protein. Below this level, traditional export grain markets delivered higher and more reliable returns.

Overall, the results indicate that growing pulses for protein alone is higher risk and only commercially attractive when strong price premiums align with suitable growing conditions.