Surge in U.S. Field Pea Output

WASHINGTON - Nov 9/07 - SNS -- Field pea production in the United States ended up at 15.6 million cwt (100 pound units) or roughly 708,745 metric tons (MT) of yellow and green peas, up 18% from the 2006 estimate, according to the USDA's latest crop report.

Area for harvest, at 809,300 acres, is 8% below a year ago. Average yield is forecast at 1,931 pounds per acre, up 438 pounds from last season.

North Dakota's dry edible pea production is forecast at 10.4 million cwt, up 12% from last season. Harvested acres, at 500,000, decreased 15% but yields are up 500 pounds per acre from last season. Planting started in mid-April and was complete by May 20, ahead of last year. Soil moisture supplies rated adequate through June, then deteriorated to mostly short to adequate the remainder of the growing season. Above normal temperatures during the growing season promoted crop development. Crop condition was rated mostly good throughout the season. Harvest started the third week of July and was complete by late August.

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