U.S. Bean Yields Better Than Thought

WASHINGTON - Oct 12/07 - SNS -- Dry edible bean yields in the United States are better than initially expected, resulting in an increase in the projected size of this year's harvest, according to the latest USDA crop estimates.

Output is now forecast at 25.3 million cwt (100 pound units) for 2007, up 6% from the August forecast and 4% above last year. Harvested acreage is forecast at 1.46 million acres, 2% above the August forecast but 5% below last year. The average U.S. yield is forecast at 1,727 pounds per acre, an increase of 78 pounds from the August forecast and 150 pounds above last year. Planted area is estimated at 1.53 million acres, an increase of 1% from the August forecast but 6% below 2006.

In North Dakota, dry bean crop conditions were rated 65% good to excellent as of September 16. Harvest began in early September. If realized, both yield, at 1,650 pounds, and production, at 10.9 million cwt, would be record highs.

In Michigan, 80% of the crop was harvested by October 1. Some fields suffered poor pollination and pod set due to drought conditions in July and early August; however, timely rains fell during the remainder of the growing season.

In Idaho, dry conditions in the northern part of the State resulted in lower yields. Harvest was underway in California where yields were expected to be above 2006. Growing conditions in Colorado were hot and dry this summer with irrigation restrictions along the Front Range and South Platte River leading to reduced planted acreage and yields. In Wyoming, conditions were rated 93% fair to good as of September 23 and harvest was proceeding ahead of the 5-year average.

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