Solid Increase in 2009 U.S. Pea Crops

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/10 - SNS -- Production of all major classes of fields were up sharply in the United States in 2009, according to the USDA's final crop report for 2009.

Production of yellow and green peas totaled 17.1 million cwt (100 pound units), up 40% from 2008. All program States showed increased production from last season, except Oregon, which showed a slight decrease. This is the highest production since records began in 1928. Area for harvest, at 837,900 acres, is 1% below a year ago. Average yield is estimated at 2,045 pounds per acre, up 597 pounds from last season.

North Dakota's dry edible pea production is estimated at 11.5 million cwt, up 46% from last season. Harvested acreage, at 480,000, is down 4% from a year ago, while yield, at 2,400 pounds per acre, is up 820 pounds from 2008. Soil moisture supplies were rated mostly adequate in 2009 compared with very short to short during 2008. Normally, the western part of the State has short moisture supplies during the growing season, however, 2009 was considered an optimum moisture supply crop year.

Production in Montana, at 3.01 million cwt, is up 20% from 2008. Harvested area decreased by 2% to 226,000 acres but yields increased by 250 pounds per acre to 1,330. Last year's drought-like conditions were followed by a much cooler, wetter growing season this year, which improved the crop.