U.S. Bean harvest Jumps 23% on Year

WASHINGTON - Dec 10/10 - SNS -- Dry edible bean production in the United States ended up 23% higher than last year at at 31.3 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1.42 million metric tons (MT), according to the the USDA's latest crop production estimates. The final report will be released in the first half of January.

This year's seeded area came in at 1.91 million acres, up 23% from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 1.83 million acres, 25% above the previous year. The average United States yield is forecast at 1,706 pounds per acre, a decrease of 31 pounds from 2009.

Production is expected to be higher in 12 of the 17 States in the dry bean program in 2010. The top five producing States all showed increased production from last season. Production in North Dakota, the largest producing State, was up 34% from a year ago, while Michigan increased 20% from 2009. Minnesota and Nebraska's production increased 22% and 26%, respectively. Idaho's production is up 25% from last season.

In North Dakota, harvest began the final week of August, about three weeks ahead of last season and was essentially complete by mid-October, a month ahead of last year. In Michigan, harvest began on a limited basis the week of August 23. By September 7, dry beans were turning quickly and continued to be harvested. Harvest wrapped up the week ending October 17.