Midwest Lentil Interest Sinks

WASHINGTON - Mar 30/07 - SNS --Interest in trowing lentils this year fell more sharply in the U.S. midwest than in the traditional production areas, according to the USDA's seeding intentions estimates for 2007.

Area planted for the 2007 crop year is expected to total 340,000 acres, down 21% from 2006 and 24% below two years ago. All four estimating States are expecting a decrease in planted acreage. Higher prices for competing crops have contributed to the lower planting intentions.

Farmers in North Dakota, the largest producing State, expect to plant 130,000 acres of lentils this year, down 19% from a year ago and 13% below two years ago. This would be the first planted acreage decline since North Dakota's estimates began in 1998. Montana's intended plantings are down 33% from 2006. Idaho and Washington are expected to be down 10% and 9%, respectively.

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