USDA Predicts 1.057 MMT Bean Harvest

WASHINGTON - Aug 11/06 - SNS -- U.S. dry edible bean production is forecast at 23.3 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1,056,822 metric tons (MT), down 15% from last year but 31% above two years ago, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Acreage adjustments since the June Acreage Report increased planted acreage estimates 3% and harvested expectations up 4%. Planted area is now estimated at 1.61 million acres, 3% below last year but up 19% from two years ago. Harvested acreage is forecast at 1.52 million acres, down 3% from last year but 25% above 2004.

The average U.S. yield is forecast at 1,534 pounds per acre, a decrease of 210 pounds from last year but 75 pounds more than two years ago.

Production is expected to be below last year in 11 of the 18 producing States. These decreases are mostly the result of lower yields. Ten of the 18 States also have lower harvested acreage than last year.

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