STAT Communications Ag Market News

U.S. Lentil Crop Rises 12%

WASHINGTON - Jan 11/13 - SNS -- Lentil production in the United States improved slightly over the December forecast, coming in at a final tally of 5.30 million cwt (100 pound units) or 240,497 metric tons (MT), up 12% from last year, according to the USDA's final crop report for 2012

Area harvested is estimated at 450,000 acres, up 9% from the previous year. Average yield is 1,178 pounds per acre, up 27 pounds from 2011.

In Montana, the crop was 98% planted by mid-May, compared with last year's 44%. By July 22, 99% of the crop was blooming. Crop condition in mid-August was rated mostly fair to good. As of September 2, 95% of the crop was harvested.

In North Dakota, planting began the beginning of April, two weeks ahead of the 5-year average. As of May 20, planting was 98% complete, ahead of last year's pace. Harvest began in mid-July and was essentially finished by September 2, about four weeks ahead of last year. Crop condition was rated mostly fair to good throughout the growing season. Idaho experienced a decent growing season.

Lentil Area Planted and Harvested, Yield, and Production - States and
United States: 2010-2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              :           Area planted           :          Area harvested
     State    :---------------------------------------------------------------------
              :   2010    :   2011   :   2012    :   2010    :   2011   :   2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              :                             1,000 acres
              :
Idaho ........:    55.0       28.0        33.0        54.0       27.0        32.0
Montana ......:   260.0      260.0       205.0       247.0      247.0       195.0
North Dakota .:   265.0       80.0       160.0       255.0       77.0       158.0
Washington ...:    78.0       60.0        65.0        78.0       60.0        65.0
              :
United States :   658.0      428.0       463.0       634.0      411.0       450.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              :          Yield per acre          :            Production
     State    :---------------------------------------------------------------------
              :   2010    :   2011   :   2012    :   2010    :   2011   :   2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              :   ---------- pounds ----------       --------- 1,000 cwt --------
              :
Idaho ........:     950      1,300       1,200         513        351         384
Montana ......:   1,360      1,100       1,100       3,359      2,717       2,145
North Dakota .:   1,540      1,070       1,220       3,927        824       1,928
Washington ...:   1,100      1,400       1,300         858        840         845
              :
United States :   1,365      1,151       1,178       8,657      4,732       5,302
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