Little Change in U.S. Pea Acreage

WASHINGTON - Jul 11/08 - SNS -- Planted area of dry edible peas is estimated at 847,000 acres, down less than 1% from last year, according to the latest USDA crop report.

Area for harvest, at 807,800 acres, is also down less than 1% from a year ago. Area planted in North Dakota, at 510,000 acres, is down 1% from 2007. The USDA reports planting started in mid-April, remained ahead of last year's pace, and was essentially complete by mid-May.

Montana dry edible pea growers planted 232,000 acres, down 1% from a year ago. During most of April and into May, the State experienced light precipitation. From the middle of May until mid-June, the State had above normal precipitation and below normal temperatures. By late June, below normal precipitation with above normal temperatures were common. Washington and Oregon experienced a wet and cool start to the season, delaying planting. By mid-April, producers began planting and most growers were finished by the first week of June.

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