U.S Pea Seeding Underway

WASHINGTON - Apr 12/21 - SNS -- Seeding of this year's field pea crops is underway, with solid progress reported in parts of the U.S. Pacific northwest.

Seeding is most advanced in Oregon, but is only starting in main growing areas in Montana and North Dakota.

Available data suggests 4% of this year's intended acreage is now in the ground, the same as at this time last year, but above the previous year average of 1%.

As the week got underway, topsoil moisture supplies in North Dakota were rated 58% very short, 25% short, 16% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 52% very short, 28% short, 19% adequate, and 1% surplus.

In Montana, approximately 83% of the farm land is abnormally dry or in a current state of drought, with about 18% of the state in severe to exceptional drought. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 27% adequate to surplus, down significantly from the previous year at 97%. Subsoil moisture conditions were 29% adequate to surplus.

                    USA - Field Pea Seeding Progress
                           (per cent planted)
State             This Week  Last Week  Last Year    Average
Idaho                    25         12         38          8
Montana                   2          0          0          0
N Dakota                  2          0          0          0
Oregon                   82         63         77         38
Washington                8          2         26         13
United States             4          1          4          1
SOURCE: State crop reports