Edible Bean Harvest Up 23%

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/11 - SNS -- United States dry edible bean production is estimated at 31.3 million cwt (100 pound units) for 2010, up 23% from 2009, according to the USDA's final crop production estimates for the 2010 crop.

Planted area is estimated at 1.91 million acres, up 23% from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 1.83 million acres, 25% above the previous year. The average United States yield is estimated at 1,706 pounds per acre, a decrease of 31 pounds from 2009.

Production is expected to be higher in 12 of the 18 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.

Excessive moisture slowed maturation and harvest in Minnesota. Several growers reported leaving unharvested beans in the fields. In Idaho, cool, wet weather this spring delayed planting and negatively impacted crop development.