Larger Than Expected U.S. Bean Harvest

WASHINGTON - Dec 9/05 - SNS -- U.S. dry edible bean production is forecast at 27.2 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1.23 million metric tons (MT) for 2005, up 4% from the October forecast and 53% above last year, according to the USDA's final crop production estimates of 2005.

Harvested acreage is forecast at 1.57 million acres, 3% above the last forecast and up 29% from 2004. The average U.S. yield is forecast at 1,731 pounds per acre, an increase of 16 pounds from the October forecast and 272 pounds above a year ago.

Production is above a year ago in 16 of the 17 producing States. Most notable production increases from last year are Minnesota up 111%, Colorado 91% higher, and North Dakota increasing 82%.

Production is up from a year ago for large lima, baby lima, navy, great northern, pinto, light red kidney, dark red kidney, pink, small red, blackeye, and small and large chickpeas. Production decreased from last year for small white, cranberry, and black.

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