U.S. Edible Bean Crops Trend Lower

WASHINGTON - Aug 10/07 - SNS -- U.S. dry edible bean production is forecast at 23.7 million cwt (100 pound units) in 2007, down 2% from last year and 11% below two years ago, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Acreage changes since the June Acreage report increased planted area less than 1% and harvested expectations 1%. Planted area is now estimated at 1.50 million acres, 8% below both last year and 2005. Harvested area is forecast at 1.44 million acres, down 6% from the last two years. The average U.S. yield is forecast at 1,649 pounds per acre, an increase of 72 pounds from last year but 97 pounds less than two years ago.

Production is expected to be below last year in 10 of the 18 producing States mainly due to lower acreage. Fifteen of the 18 States have lower planted acreage than last year which can be attributed in part to strong prices for competing crops.

In North Dakota, as of July 29, the crop was rated 71% good to excellent compared with 29% last year. Above normal seasonal precipitation has led to the improved ratings. In Michigan, dry conditions persisted throughout the summer, reducing yield potential. Crop condition ratings were 42% good to excellent as of July 29 compared with 71% the previous year.

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