Modest Reduction in Field Pea Plantings

WASHINGTON - Mar 31/08 - SNS -- A net expansion in land in soybeans, corn and wheat has had the expected impact of causing a general reduction in pulse area in the United States this year, but the depth of the decline was not as large as feared, judging from this year's USDA seeding intentions estimates.

Dry edible bean seedings do not seem destined to decline as much as feared, while field pea area held its own against an onslaught from spring grains.

Dry edible peas growers intend to plant 820,000 acres in 2008, down 3% from 2007 and 11% below two years ago. Higher prices from competing crops have led to lower intended acreage in four of the five estimating States.

Intended acreage in North Dakota, the largest producing State, is down 3% from a year ago and 18% below the 2006 crop, which marked their highest level of dry pea planted acreage. Montana growers expect a 6% decrease in planted acres from 2007, while Washington producers report a 3% decrease in planted acreage intentions.

Area planted to Austrian winter peas for the 2008 crop year is expected to be 25,500 acres, down 12% from 2007 and 45% below two years ago. If realized, this would be the lowest planted acreage since the 2003 crop year. Higher prices for competing crops have reduced the Austrian winter pea acreage intentions. All estimating States anticipate decreased planted acreage this season.