If it’s any indication of how this spring has been for growers trying to get their pulse crops in the ground, this week’s Pulse Pipeline crop progress report will begin with a reminder. The final planting date for pulses according to the USDA/RMA ranges between May 15-25 depending on the pulse crop you are planting and the county where your farm is located.
The acreage growers intend to plant but couldn’t due to a natural disaster is considered prevented planting. At the end of this article, we will provide you with more information if you need to report prevented planted acreage. Recently the Pulse Pipeline sent out a planting progress survey, and although growers are busy this year, some of you took the time to respond. Judging by the spelling and lack of capitalization, this editor is guessing you were driving tractor with one hand and texting with the other. As long as you weren’t on the highway, we’ll give you all a pass on that (but be safe out there).
MONTANA
In comparison to the Pacific Northwest, Montana’s field work has really picked up. In fact, there are very few growers that still have pulses to plant. In northeast Montana, many growers are reporting 100{43a21437b022293ea22983a65937d7e18883fb2ff2b11e03a1041d36bd400603} of peas and lentils are in the ground. If anything, growers like Steve Miner, Grant Zerbe, Kim Murray, and Plentywood grower Chris Westergard are calling for a touch of rain. “We’ve had only .25” of rain since we started seeding. Starting to get dry, could use a rain in the near future.” Crop consultant, Matt Moffet says that in Eastern Montana pulse crops are looking great, and many opted to plant pulses instead of wheat. Steve Junghans from the Billings Regional Office of the Risk Management Agency said that the triangle area just got a bit of rain, but since most pulses are in the ground, it probably wouldn’t be a reason for alarm.
NORTH DAKOTA
According to NASS, temperatures have been a bit above normal. Dry pea plantings are very close to the 81{43a21437b022293ea22983a65937d7e18883fb2ff2b11e03a1041d36bd400603} average of last year, but well ahead of the 57{43a21437b022293ea22983a65937d7e18883fb2ff2b11e03a1041d36bd400603} 5-year average. “It is difficult to believe that 5 weeks ago we had water standing almost everywhere and now we are almost done seeding and leaving very little,” said Rolla, ND grower Dick Mickelson. Dick says he has all of his yellow peas and faba beans in the ground and starting to emerge. Likewise, Richardton grower Cal Hoff reports all of his lentils planted, and is working on finishing planting his other crops. Cal increased his pulse crop acreage over wheat this year
Source: USA Dry Pea & Lentil Pulse Pipeline
Photo Courtesy of MT Dept. of Agriculture
