Lentil Acreage Soars Into Record Books

WASHINGTON - Jul 9/10 - SNS -- Lentil seedings in the United States ended up at an estimated 655,000 acres, up 28% from the March Prospective Plantings and 58% above 2009, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

If realized, this will be the largest planted acreage since records began in 1986. Harvested area is estimated at 639,000 acres, up 57% from last year.

Montana growers planted 260,000 acres this year, 131% above last year, while producers in Idaho reported a 51% increase from a year ago.

North Dakota's planted area is estimated at 240,000 acres, up 45% from 2009. Planting began the second week of April, one week ahead of the previous year. Planting was virtually complete by the end of May, slightly ahead of last year.

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