Smaller U.S. Lentil Crop Confirmed

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/07 - SNS -- Lentil production in the United States ended up smaller than initially expected, with the USDA reducing the crop 2% from November to 3.24 million cwt (100 pound units) in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Washington.

The harvest ended 37% lower than the previous year. Planted area, at 429,000 acres, remains unchanged from the previous forecast but is 5% below the previous season. Harvested area, at 407,000 acres, is 1% above the November 1 forecast but 7% below last year. Average yield per acre, at 797 pounds, is 25 pounds below November's forecast and 379 pounds below last year.

Montana's production, at 804,000 cwt, is down 57% from a year ago. Early May's seasonable temperatures and light precipitation gave way to above normal temperatures by the end of May and early June. Continued above average temperatures, accompanied by limited precipitation, were common throughout the remainder of the growing season, which lowered the crop's potential.

North Dakota's production is estimated at 1.21 million cwt, down 38% from 2005. Adequate moisture supplies in June gave way to drier conditions in July and August. Above average temperatures during the season hindered the crop as well.

Production in Washington, at 760,000 cwt, is up 1% from 2005. Excessive moisture early in the season slowed planting, but proved beneficial to the crop as high temperatures and limited rainfall were prevalent throughout the remainder of the crop year. Idaho's production, at 466,000 cwt, is 18% below last year. Excessive heat and limited rainfall negatively impacted Idaho's crop as well.

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