Improved Dry Edible Bean Yields

WASHINGTON - Oct 12/06 - SNS -- Dry edible bean production in the United States is expected to total 23.8 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1.079 million metric tons (MT) for 2006, up 2% from the August forecast but 13% below last year, according to the USDA's crop production report.

Harvested acreage is forecast at 1.56 million acres, 3% above the August forecast but less than 1% below last year. The average U.S. yield is forecast at 1,523 pounds per acre, a decrease of 11 pounds from the August forecast and 221 pounds below last year. Planted area is estimated at 1.65 million acres, an increase of 3% from earlier forecasts but a 1% decrease from 2005.

Since August, production forecasts increased 38% in Texas, 30% in Minnesota, 5% in North Dakota, and 3% in Idaho. Production forecasts decreased 18% in New York, 13% in South Dakota, 11% in Washington, 9% in Nebraska, and 1% in California.

Production is expected to be higher than last year in 9 of the 18 producing States. Washington production is up 46%, Texas production increased 30%, and New Mexico production is 30% above 2005. Oregon growers expect an increase of 17%, New York production is forecasted 7% above last year, and Idaho is up 2%.

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