U.S. Pea Seeding Making Good Progress

VANCOUVER - May 20/14 - SNS -- Field pea seeding in the United States continues to advance at a slower than normal pace because of North Dakota's slow start.

Almost a quarter of North Dakota's intended acreage is now in the ground, while seeding is over 80% complete in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Montana.

The past week was much drier in North Dakota, making it possible for farmers to start seeding all pulse crops. Average temperatures ranged 6 to 15 degrees below normal with rainfall received Sunday night.

Before these showers came, producers took advantage of the drier conditions to get as much planting done as possible. Statewide, 4.2 days were suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0% very short, 1 short, 68 adequate, and 31 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0% very short, 1 short, 77 adequate, and 22 surplus.

Montana farmers were happy to see warm and dry conditions across the state, though freezing nights continued to delay crop development. Topsoil moisture rated adequate and surplus is 87% compared with 54% last year and the 5 year average of 78%. Subsoil moisture was rated 86% adequate and surplus compared to 47% last year and the 5 year average of 74%.