Edible Bean Seedings Decline

WASHINGTON - Jun 30/09 - SNS -- Planted area of dry beans is estimated at 1.46 million acres in 2009, 2% below 2008, according to the USDA's preliminary seeded estimates for the year.

Area to be harvested in 2009 is estimated at 1.40 million acres, down 3% from last year. Eleven of the 18 dry bean estimating States increased planted acreage from last year, while six States decreased acres from 2008. Arizona was added to the estimating program this season.

North Dakota's planted area of 600,000 acres is down 9% from last year. In Michigan, dry bean plantings of 195,000 acres are 3% below 2008, while Minnesota growers reduced plantings 10% from a year ago. Idaho growers increased planted acres by 25%. Growers in Washington, Colorado, and California increased planted acreage from 2008, while Nebraska farmers reported lower plantings.

Planting of the North Dakota crop did not start until the third week in May, well behind the 5-year average due to spring flooding and cool temperatures. In Michigan, planting progress was behind the 5-year average due to wet weather, but similar to last year's progress. Roughly 40% of the crop was in the ground by mid-June. Cold, damp conditions in May delayed plantings in Minnesota as well.

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