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US Flax Output Up Sharply; Lentil, Pea Crops Larger

Just like north of the border, American producers had a big bounce back year for flax production. 

In its first estimate of the 2022 crop on Thursday, the USDA pegged American flax output at 120,400 tonnes, up a major 58% from the drought-reduced 2021 crop of just 93,156 tonnes. At 244,000 tonnes, US flax harvested area was down 10% on the year, but that reduction was more than offset by a 7.5-bu improvement in the average yield to 17.6 bu/acre. 

In Canada, flax production this past year amounted to 473,175 tonnes, an increase of almost 37%. Harvested area was down 22.7% but the average yield jumped 10.6 bu to 24.2 bu/acre. 

Meanwhile, the 2022 US pea and lentil crops were bigger than originally forecast as well. 

Today’s USDA annual crop summary put the lentil crop at 274,500 tonnes, up from the earlier estimate of 242,550 and 61% above the 2021 crop. Harvested area was actually reduced, but the average yield was revised way up 912 lbs/acre, compared to the previous estimate of 766 lbs and only 606 lbs in 2021.

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What I’m Checking Behind the Planter This Spring

Video: What I’m Checking Behind the Planter This Spring



This is the first episode of a new behind-the-scenes series on our farm.

Today I’m checking behind the planter looking at planting depth, seed-to-soil contact, and making sure we’re placing seed into moisture, even in a dry spring.

Everything can look good from the cab, but this is where you find out what’s really happening.

We also ran into a prescription issue that slowed us down, which is a good reminder that even when conditions are ideal, the little things still matter.

If you’re planting right now, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check behind your planter.