Edible Bean Estimated Inches Up

WASHINGTON - Jan 11/08 - SNS -- U.S. dry edible bean production is estimated at 25.4 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1,150,762 metric tons (MT) for 2007, up less than 1% from the December forecast and 5% above last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) final crop report for 2007.

Harvested area is estimated at 1.48 million acres, virtually unchanged from the December forecast but 4% below the 2006 crop. The average U.S. yield is estimated at 1,716 pounds per acre, an increase of 8 pounds from the last forecast and 139 pounds above a year ago. Production increased from a year ago for large lima, baby lima, pinto, light red kidney, and black. Production decreased from last year for navy, great northern, small white, dark red kidney, pink, small red, cranberry, blackeye, and all chickpeas.

Production in North Dakota is estimated at 10.6 million cwt, 38% above 2006. Harvested acres increased 4%, while the average yield, at 1,590 pounds per acre, is up 390 pounds from last year. Harvest was essentially complete by the end of October, slightly behind last year and the 5-year average.

Production in Minnesota, at 2.61 million cwt of dry beans, is 17% more than last year. The average yield, at 1,800 pounds per acre, is up 150 pounds from the previous year. Minnesota dry bean growers experienced good growing conditions throughout the season.

California growers produced 1.21 million cwt, up less than 1% from last year. The average yield, at 2,090 pounds per acre, is up 230 pounds from 2006. Washington production is estimated at 1.02 million cwt, up 5% from 2006. The average yield, at 1,700 pounds per acre, is up 100 pounds from last year. Growers experienced good growing conditions throughout the season.

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