Montana farmers say they will plant just under 10 million acres this year, an increase from 2021 despite a prolonged drought, but the possibility of rising costs and a poor spring could change that projection. Spring wheat acres were expected to be about 3 million, a 5% increase from last year. Wheat farmers apply nitrogen to boost protein levels, which pads payouts come harvest. Farmers say they will plant 580,000 acres of lentils this year, a 9% increase, and 600,000 acres of dry peas, up 5%. Right now, farmers indicate they’ll plant 840,000 acres of durum, a 25% increase over last year.

Source: New York Times April 01, 2022 21:02 UTC