45% Drop in U.S. Lentil Harvest
WASHINGTON - Jan 12/12 - SNS -- The U.S. lentil crop is estimated at 4.73 million cwt or 214,642 metric tons (MT), down 45% from last year, according to the USDA's final production estimate for 2011 crops.
Area harvested is estimated at 411,000 acres, down 35% from the previous year. Average yield is 1,151 pounds per acre, down 214 pounds from 2010.
In North Dakota, planting began the beginning of May, three weeks behind last year due to wet conditions. Planting was complete by July 10, about six weeks behind a year ago. Harvest started in early-August and was finished by October 2, about a week behind last year and the 5-year average. Crop condition was rated mostly fair to good throughout the entire growing season.
Montana lentil planting was nearly complete by June 12, with 94% emerged by June 26. Crop condition by mid-August was mostly in the fair to good range. Lentil harvest was 94% complete on September 11, about the same as the previous year.
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