The North Dakota State University Extension Service is projecting lower crop profits in North Dakota this year than in 2007 and 2008.

"However, the 2009 projections are better than expected and are favorable when viewed in a longer historical context, says Andrew Swenson, NDSU Extension farm management specialist.

NDSU ag economists project that dry beans, lentils and mustard will be the most profitable crops. Profit projections range from $75 to more than $100 per acre.

However, these crops are not suitable for all regions of the state and have more production management challenges than other crops, says Andrew Swenson, NDSU Extension farm management specialist.

Here are projections for other crops

Spring wheat - $20 per acre in the east-central and southeastern regions and mostly positive, but near break-even in the other regions.

Durum - $30 to $47 per acre profit in the western and central regions. Other regions show a profit, but there is substantial risk of price discounts due to poor quality.

Winter wheat - a modest profit, with the best returns ($29) in the south-central region.

Barley - $20-$50 per acre, making it one of the better prospects except in the Red River Valley.

Corn - a modest profit in the southern Red River Valley and southeastern regions, but losses in most other regions.

Soybean - profits of $50 and $75 per acre in the Red River Valley and the east-central and southeastern regions.

Sunflowers, canola and flax - negative returns for all regions, except for a small profit for sunflowers in the north-central region.

Food quality field peas - $20-$30 per acre profits generally.

The budgets are available on the Web at www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/ecguides.htm and your local NDSU Extension Service office.