Reduced Austrian Winter Pea Area

WASHINGTON - Jul 12/06 - SNS -- Planted acreage of Austrian winter peas for Idaho, Montana, and Oregon is forecast at 41,000 acres, down 4% from 2005, according to the latest USDA crop report. Area harvested is forecast at 24,500 acres, the same as a year ago.

Montana growers planted 28,000 acres, up 12% from 2005. In the past few years, Montana's Austrian winter peas have been harvested more for feed rather than being grazed. Growers expect to harvest 15,000 acres, up 15% from 2005.

Planted area in Idaho totaled 8,000 acres, down 20% from a year ago. Lower prices have shifted planting to other crops, including chick peas, which are expected to increase this season. Harvested area, at 7,000 acres, is down 12% from 2005.

Austrian winter pea area in Oregon is estimated at 5,000 acres, down 33% from last year. Harvested area, at 2,500 acres, is down 1,000 from 2005. Lower crop prices and higher seed costs have contributed to the acreage decrease.

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