American Pea Growers Hold Line on Acreage

WASHINGTON - Jul 9/10 - SNS -- Field pea growers in the United States seeded 4% more peas than intended, with the final acreage estimate set at 869,000 acres, up 4% from the March seeding intentions, but virtually unchanged from last year, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

Area for harvest, at 842,900 acres, is 1% above a year ago. Area planted in North Dakota, at 490,000 acres, is unchanged from 2009. Planting began the second week of April, one week ahead of the previous year, due mainly to favorable weather conditions. Planting was virtually complete by the end of May, slightly ahead of last year. Condition of the crop was rated mostly good through July 4.

Montana dry edible pea growers planted 240,000 acres, unchanged from 2009. Dry peas were 93% planted by May 31 compared with 98% last year. By late June, the crop was rated by growers as mostly good to excellent.

Idaho growers reported a planted acreage increase of 43% from a year ago, while Washington's planted acreage is down 18% from last year.