AWP Crop Estimate Slashed

WASHINGTON - Jan 11/08 - SNS -- Austrian winter peas production for the 2007 season is estimated at 127,000 cwt (100 pound units) or 5,761 metric tons (MT), down 15% from the November 1 forecast and 51% below 2006, according to the USDA final crop report for 2007.

Area harvested, at 11,000 acres, is 21% below the previous forecast and 51% below last season. Average yield, at 1,155 pounds per acre, increased 84 pounds from the November 1 forecast and is 4 pounds above 2006.

Idaho production, at 65,000 cwt, is down 38% from last year. A very hot summer with little moisture had a negative impact on both yield and quality. Oregon's acreage declined sharply due in part to high prices for wheat and barley, which compete for acreage.

Montana's production, at 26,000 cwt, is down 76% from last year. Harvested area is down 67%, largely due to growers shifting more acreage to dry edible peas. Yields were reduced by above normal temperatures and limited precipitation during July and August.

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