U.S. Lentil Estimate Unchanged

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/10 - SNS -- The 2009 U.S. lentil crop is estimated at 5.86 million cwt (100 pound units), up 145% from last year, according to the USDA's final crop report for 2009.

Acreage, yield, and production increased in all four estimating States. Area harvested totaled 407,000 acres, up 56% from the previous year. Average yield is estimated at 1,440 pounds per acre, up 523 pounds per acre from 2008.

North Dakota's production totaled 2.56 million cwt, more than three times greater than a year ago. Harvested area increased 82% from 2008, while yields increased by 640 pounds per acre to 1,560. Crop condition was rated mostly good throughout the entire growing season. Harvest of the crop started the first week of August and was finished by mid-September.

Montana's production totaled 1.60 million cwt, up 163% from last year. Harvested area increased 47% from 2008, while yields increased by 610 pounds per acre to 1,380. Favorable growing conditions were more commonplace during this season, when compared with 2008, which was negatively affected by high temperatures and limited precipitation.