U.S. Lentil Area Down 8%

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/08 - SNS -- Planted area of lentils is estimated at 279,000 acres, up less than 1% from the March planting intentions but 8% below 2007, according to the latest USDA crop report. Harvested area is estimated at 272,000 acres, down 8% from last year.

North Dakota's planted area is estimated at 100,000 acres, down 9% from 2007. Planting started mid-April, remained ahead of last year's pace, and was essentially completed by mid-May.

Montana growers planted 84,000 acres this year, 3% fewer than a year ago. During most of April and the beginning of May, Montana experienced light precipitation. From mid-May to mid-June, the State experienced above normal precipitation and below normal temperatures. Afterwards, below normal precipitation with above normal temperatures prevailed.

Washington's planted area is estimated at 55,000 acres, down 19% from 2007. By mid-April, producers were able to begin planting. The temperatures were colder than normal but warmer spring-like weather finally arrived in May. A very unusual snowstorm in mid- June set low temperature records throughout the region, however by the end of the week, temperatures returned to normal.

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