60% Drop in U.S. Pea Harvest

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/12 - SNS -- Production of dry edible peas in the United States is estimated at 5.63 million cwt or 255,148 metric tons (MT), down 60% from 2010, according to the USDA's final production estimate for 2011 crops.

Planted area, at 362,000 acres, fell by 394,000 acres or 52% from a year ago. Area harvested, at 342,800 acres, is 52% below a year ago. These are the lowest planted, harvested, and production totals since 2003. Average yield is estimated at 1,641 pounds per acre, down 358 pounds from last season.

In North Dakota, planting began the beginning of May, three weeks behind last year due to extensive flooding and extremely wet conditions in the growing areas. Planting was complete by July 10, about six weeks behind last year. Harvest of the crop started in mid-August and was essentially finished by September 18, two weeks behind a year earlier. Topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies in the northwest region were rated adequate to surplus throughout the season. Condition of the crop was rated mostly fair to good throughout the growing year.

In Montana, dry peas were 99% planted by June 12, with 99% emerged by June 26. By late-June, crop condition was rated mostly fair to good. Cool, wet spring conditions gave way to hot, dry weather in July and August, which limited crop potential.