/

Seeding slow on rain delays

In the important pulse producing states of North Dakota, Michigan and Minnesota, wet conditions interfered with fieldwork and slowed planting progress. Drier conditions in Montana and the Pacific Northwest allowed for greater progress in seeding. The information that follows is drawn from crop progress reports issued by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending May 12^th.

Michigan

Michigan is an important black bean growing state. For the week ending May 12^th, climate conditions were very wet; only 1.5 days were suitable for fieldwork. Cool temperatures also slowed planting. In many cases, farmers waited for their fields to dry, although some have begun to plant their bean and pea crops.

Minnesota

Minnesota is an important kidney bean producing state. Wet conditions predominated here as well. Top- and subsoil moisture levels were rated 40 and 42% surplus, respectively. Dry bean planting progress was at 2%, a full 11 days behind the five-year average pace.

Montana

Montana is a major pulse producing state. Weather conditions were mixed for the week ending May 12^th, but in general top- and subsoil moisture conditions were adequate. As of May 12^th, farmers planted 40% of their dry beans, which is about average for the date (43%); last year, only 22% of Montana’s dry beans had been seeded as of May 12^th. Pea planting is further along at 67%, ahead of last year’s pace (58%), but behind the five-year average (78%); 25% of the crop has emerged. Lentil planting has advanced to 54%, similar to last year’s 50% but behind the five-year average of 64%; 6% of the crop has emerged.

North Dakota

North Dakota is the top dry bean producing state in the U.S. This year, the planting season was marked by rain delays early on. As of May 12^th, farmers planted 38% of their dry peas, behind the five-year average of 53% for this date, but slightly ahead of last year’s 35%. Dry edible bean plantings were at 2%, also behind the five-year average of 7% but not far from last year’s 4%. Top- and subsoil moisture conditions were adequate for the most part.

Pacific Northwest

Pea crops are currently being seeded in the three Pacific Northwestern states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The week ending May 12^thsaw dry and warm conditions across all three states, which allowed for fieldwork to progress practically uninterrupted. Top- and subsoil moisture was generally adequate throughout the region. In Idaho, 77% of the crop was planted as of May 12^th, compared to 78% last year and the five-year average of 72%. In Oregon, 94% of the peas were seeded, ahead of last year’s pace (85%); as of May 12^th, 55% of the crop had emerged. In Washington, 67% of the peas were planted, compared to last year’s pace of 70% and the five-year average of 72%; crop emergence was at 11%.