USDA Lowers Dry Edible Bean Estimate

WASHINGTON - Jan 12/04 - SNS -- U.S. dry edible bean production is estimated at 22.5 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1.021 million metric tons (MT) for 2003, down 1% from the December forecast and 25% below last year, according to the USDA's final crop report for 2003.

Harvested acreage is estimated at 1.35 million acres, 1% below the last forecast and down 22% from 2002. The average U.S. yield is estimated at 1,672 pounds per acre, a decrease of 6 pounds from the December forecast and 64 pounds below a year ago.

Production is below a year ago in 12 of the 18 producing States. Most notable is a 50% production decrease in Michigan where planted area is the lowest on record. Also, Oregon's production is down 37% due to drought conditions.

Production is down from a year ago for black, small white, navy, garbanzo, cranberry, baby lima, dark red kidney, pinto, light red kidney, and small red. Production increases are reported from last year for great northern, blackeye, large lima, and pink.

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