USDA Lifts Dry Edible Pea Estimate

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/06 - SNS -- Production of dry edible peas in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington is estimated at 14.0 million cwt (100 pound units) for 2005, up 1% from the November 1 forecast and up 23% from 2004, according to the USDA's final crop production report for 2005.

Area harvested, at 765,900 acres, is up 1% from the previous forecast and 51% above last year. Average yield, at 1,828 pounds per acre, increased 15 pounds from the November 1 forecast but is 421 pounds below 2004.

Production in Montana and North Dakota is up 73%, and 41%, respectively, from last season. Production in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington declined by 36, 52, and 36%, respectively, from a year ago.

In North Dakota, above normal daytime temperatures and dry conditions during most of April allowed producers to plant early season crops ahead of the 5-year average pace. Planting of the dry edible pea crop began mid-April and was completed by the third week in May.

Mostly adequate soil moisture supplies existed in the dry pea growing area during the majority of the growing season. However, above normal rainfall in June and above normal temperatures during the end of June and most of July stressed crop development and promoted some plant diseases. Mostly dry conditions and below normal temperatures occurred during harvest. Harvest began in late July and was completed by the first week of September.

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