Glacier FarmMedia — Lentil production in the United States hit its largest level in nearly a decade, while the dry edible pea crop reached levels not seen in over five years, said updated production estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In the USDA’s first 2025/26 production estimates for the two pulse crops, released Sept. 12, it forecast dry edible pea production at 933,310 tonnes. That would be up by 23 per cent on the year, and the largest crop since 2020.
Projected pea yields, at 2.03 tonnes per hectare (1,814 pounds per acre), were only up by two per cent on the year, with most of the increased production linked to larger seeded area.
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U.S. lentil production is forecast to be up by 22 per cent on the year, at 502,720 tonnes. Average yields are forecast at 1.18 tonnes per hectare (1,055 pounds per acre), up five per cent.
Chickpea production is estimated at 337,020 tonnes by the USDA, which compares with 255,460 tonnes in 2024/25.
Dry edible bean production in the U.S. is forecast to be down in 2025 despite improved yields due to a reduction in harvested area. Total edible bean production was forecast at 1.363 million tonnes by the USDA, which compares with 1.419 million tonnes in 2024/25.
Yellow peas are currently priced at around US$4.75 to US$5.75 per bushel in North Dakota, which works out to roughly C$6.57 to C$7.95 per bushel, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire data, which is slightly higher than average pricing opportunities in Western Canada.
