Modest Drop in U.S. Bean Estimate

WASHINGTON - Oct 28/08 - SNS -- Dry edible bean production in the United States is forecast at 25.3 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1.146 million metric tons (MT) for 2008, up 5% from the August forecast but down slightly from 2007, according to the USDA's revised crop production and seeded area estimates.

The only change from the previous crop report was a 10,000 acre reduction in seeded and harvested area estimates for North Dakota to 660,000 and 630,000 acres respectively. Otherwise the USDA left seeded and harvested area estimates and yield forecasts unchanged from its October 10 report.

Planted area is forecast at 1.49 million acres, up 6% from the August forecast but down 2% from 2007. Harvested area is forecast at 1.42 million acres, 5% above the August forecast but 4% below the previous year's harvested acreage. The average U.S. yield is forecast at 1,774 pounds per acre, a decrease of 12 pounds from August's forecast but 58 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 from 2007 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.

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