Seeding Pulses Inches Forward in U.S.
VANCOUVER - May 13/13 - SNS -- Seeding of this year's pulse crops made some progress in some of the key producing areas of the United States during the past week, but the overall pace remains behind last year.
For dry edible beans, North Dakota is the most important producing state; while for peas and lentils Montana and North Dakota have emerged as the two most important producing regions in the United States.
Once again, no progress has been reported for beans, peas and lentils in North Dakota, while farmers in Montana have finished seeding 56% of their intended field pea are and 46% of their lentils, with 5% of the peas having emerged. This is behind the recent average of 69% planted for lentils and 73% planted for peas; and well off last year's pace, when 95% of the peas and 97% of the lentils were already in the ground by the second week of May.
For the coming week, Montana farmers expect above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation east of the Great Divide. West of the Divide can expect above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. Normal temperatures for this period in Montana are highs in the upper 50s to the upper 60s, with lows in the upper 20s to the mid 40s. Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus is 50% compared with 74% last year and the 5 year average of 82%. Subsoil moisture was 51% adequate and surplus compared to 73% last year and the 5 year average of 73%.
In North Dakota, last week's warmer and drier weather allowed almost all producers across the state to either start preparing their fields for planting or make good progress in getting their crops in the ground. Statewide, on average, there were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork. High winds have caused newly planted fields to dry quickly
Crop reporters in North Dakota reported no progress planting pulses. Among key crops in the state, spring wheat growers say they have finished planting 26% of the crop, compared to 92% at this time last year and the recent average of 40%. Oats seeding rated 21% complete, behind 85% last year and 50% average. Canola seeding was 12% complete, compared to 78% last year the five-year average of 36%. Corn planting rated 18% complete, behind 79% last year and 43% average.
In Minnesota, no progress was reporting planting dry edible bean crops, while 30% f the state's green peas are in the ground, compared to 81% last year and 61% on average for this time.
In Michigan, warm, dry weather early in the week allowed for considerable planting progress to be made in southern Michigan. Corn planting went full bore until wet, cold weather stopped planters on Friday. Soybean planting began last week and growers were able to made very good progress in southern Michigan. The week wrapped up with most areas seeing some frost and snow showers. Accumulating snows fell in the northern lower and upper peninsulas.
In Washington State, 60% of this year's intended dry edible bean area has been planted along with 75% of the peas.
Limited Seeding Progress in Manitoba
In its second crop report of the year, Manitoba Agriculture said, "Seeding of spring wheat, barley, oats, canola, potatoes, and grain corn has occurred in various areas across Manitoba. There has been limited seeding completed to date, but activity is expected to increase with favorable weather conditions."
In southwestern Manitoba, around 10% of this year's intended cropland has been planted, which could be indicative of good progress seeding crops in southeastern Saskatchewan. Most of the initial seeding activity focussed on spring wheat. Most farmers in the region are expected to be planting crops this week.
In northwest Manitoba, drying winds and warmer daytime temperatures, along with several nights with freezing temperatures, are improving field drying conditions. Soil temperatures and field conditions are better through Roblin and Swan River areas than the Dauphin/Ethelbert areas. The Pas has normal field conditions at this date. In the areas east of the Escarpment, which had recent heavy snowfall, the extent of water ponding in fields is subsiding.
Some spring wheat was seeded around Roblin. Elsewhere in the region, there has been very limited field work; some anhydrous ammonia applications began on the lighter, better drained soil types.
In central Manitoba fields are firming up and drying, especially with recent windy conditions. Manure, dry fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia applications are being made. Harrowing operations are occurring on some of the wettest fields. Slower progress is occurring in areas to the west and north of the region where conditions are wetter. Seeding progress ranges from getting started to less than 5% complete in these areas. However, in the areas south and east in the region, seeding progress is at 5 to 25% complete. Cereals, corn, potatoes and canola are being seeded. Seeding of soybean acres will start this week. Seeding should be general within the region by midweek.
In eastern Manitoba, seeding began over the weekend with hard red spring wheat, barley, oats and grain corn being seeded. If the weather is favorable, rapid progress in seeding is expected across the Eastern Region by midweek. Late seeded winter wheat fields are still being assessed. Earliest seeded fields are in the five leaf or more, while later seeded fields are in the one to three leaf stage.
In Manitoba's interlake region, a very small amount of acres in the Warren, Stonewall, Grosse Isle regions were seeded, while North Interlake still deals with wet soil conditions which are delaying seeding operations. Winter wheat and forage fields seem to have survived with minimal winterkill. Fertilizer is being applied to winter wheat and forage crops as plants continue to break winter dormancy.
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