Modest Gain in U.S. Edible Bean Estimate

WASHINGTON - Oct 10/08 - SNS -- U.S. dry edible bean production is forecast at 25.4 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1.15 million metric tons (MT) for 2008, up 5% from the previous estimate and up slightly from 2007, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Planted area is forecast at 1.50 million acres, up 7% from the August forecast but down 2% from 2007. Harvested area is forecast at 1.43 million acres, 6% above the last forecast but 3% below the previous year's harvested acreage. The average U.S. yield is forecast at 1,772 pounds per acre, a decrease of 14 pounds from August's forecast but 56 pounds above the 2007 yield. If realized, this will be the highest yield on record for the U.S.

Production is expected to be lower in 10 of the 18 producing States, primarily due to reduced acreage. If realized, Nebraska and New York will have their highest dry bean yields on record, at 2,350 and 1,900 pounds per acre, respectively.

In North Dakota, as of September 28, the dry bean crop was rated 59% good to excellent. This was lower than the rating for the August 1 forecast and the previous year. The crop was only 34% harvested as of September 28, which was behind both last year and the 5-year average. Michigan harvest progress at the end of September was behind normal due to continued rains. The harvest was only 31% complete at the end of September compared to 71% from the same time last year and a 5-year average of 67%. However, in Minnesota, the crop was 69% harvested as of September 28 and 64% of the dry beans were rated good to excellent and 33% rated fair.

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