U.S. growers are planning a sharp reduction in lentil acreage this year, while dry pea area is projected to hold little changed, according to Tuesday’s USDA prospective plantings report.
American lentil area is expected to fall to 832,000 acres, down 22%, led by a steep reduction in Montana, the largest producing state, where area is projected to drop to 620,000 acres from 830,000 in 2025. In North Dakota, lentil plantings are also lower at 155,000 acres, down from 185,000 last year.
The pullback likely reflects weaker pricing and a shift toward alternative crops in key Northern Plains regions.
In contrast, dry pea area is seen just slightly higher at 1.17 million acres nationally, with gains in some areas helping offset declines elsewhere. Montana is expected to plant a record 710,000 acres, up from 690,000 in 2025, reinforcing its position as the dominant U.S. producer. In North Dakota, pea acreage is forecast at 360,000 acres, down slightly from 380,000 last year but still historically strong.
Dry edible bean area is projected at 1.24 million acres, down 10%, with Idaho the only major producing state expected to increase area. Chickpea acreage is forecast at 499,000 acres, down 7%, including 383,000 acres of large chickpeas and 116,000 acres of small types.
Sunflower planted area is expected to rise to 1.39 million acres, up 8%, led by North Dakota, where plantings are seen increasing 11% to 640,000 acres. Oil-type sunflower area is driving the gains, while non-oil varieties are projected to fall to a record low of 91,500 acres.
Flaxseed continues to lose ground overall, with 2026 plantings estimated at 230,000 acres, down 7%. Planted acreage in Montana is expected to increase 54% from the previous year. If realized, it would mark the first time that Montana has planted more acres than North Dakota since at least 1920. Planted acreage in North Dakota is expected to be down 35% from 2025.
