US Reduces Bean Area 8%

WASHINGTON - Jun 29/07 - SNS -- Dry edible bean seedings in the United States are down 8% from last year at an estimated 1,5 million acres, according to the USDA's seeded area estimates for 2007.

The June planted acreage estimate is down less than 1% from growers plans in March. Acres to be harvested are estimated at 1.42 million, down 7% from both last year and 2005.

The decrease in planted acres can be attributed in part to strong prices for competing crops. Fourteen of the 18 dry bean States have decreased planted acreage from a year ago, two are unchanged, and two have increased acres from 2006.

Michigan's planted area of 200,000 acres is down 11% from last year. In Nebraska, dry bean plantings of 100,000 acres are 29% below 2006, while Idaho's acreage decreased 14% to 90,000. Texas growers reduced planted acres by 50%, Kansas is down 36%, and South Dakota is 30% below 2006. Colorado is down 21%, Oregon 15%, Wyoming 14%, California 10%, New Mexico 9%, Montana 8%, New York 5%, and Washington decreased 2% from 2006. North Dakota and Minnesota's planted acres are unchanged from last year. Planted acres in Utah increased 17% from last year, while planted acres in Wisconsin went up 7% from 2006.

Planting in North Dakota started mid-May and progressed ahead of the 5-year average pace due to mostly dry conditions. However, early June showers slowed planting progress to the average pace. Crop condition as of June 10 was rated 74% good to excellent. In Michigan, planting progress was ahead of last year due to hot dry weather that allowed farmers to get other crops planted on time.

Planting was ahead of normal in Minnesota with 90% planted as of June 3, compared with the 5-year average of 73%. In southern Idaho, competition for acreage with corn, hay, and spring wheat has resulted in less dry bean acreage. California growers face poor field conditions following a dry winter and spring. In Washington, hot weather interspersed with wet weather is promoting crop growth. In Colorado, planting is progressing behind the average pace following a late start due to excess moisture.

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