Dry Pea Crop Smaller Than Hoped

WASHINGTON - Jan 11/13 - SNS -- Dry field pea production in the United States ended up smaller than expected, according to the USDA's final crop report for 2012.

Production was pegged at 10.9 million cwt (100 pound units) or 493,151 metric tons (MT), up 93% from last year, but down 5% from the previous estimate. It needs to be recalled that the 2011 harvest was smaller than normal because farmers in North Dakota could not finish seeding their crops because of wet soil conditions. The implication is that rather than rising, production was trending lower.

Planted area, at 649,000 acres, and harvested area, at 621,000 acres, increased by 79% and 81%, respectively. Average yield is 1,751 pounds per acre, up 110 pounds from 2011.

In North Dakota, planting began in early April, two weeks ahead of the 5-year average. As of May 20, planting was 98% complete, well ahead of last year's pace. Harvest started in mid-July and was finished by late-August, about four weeks ahead of last year. Crop condition was rated mostly fair to good throughout the entire growing season.

Montana's crop was 96% planted by mid-May, compared with 41% last year. By mid-July, 97% of the crop was blooming. Crop condition by early August was rated mostly good to excellent. Harvest began in mid-July and was 97% complete by September 2.