U.S. PNW Bean Seeding Jumps Forward

WASHINGTON - Apr 28/14 - SNS -- Seeding of this year's dry edible bean crops is making good progress in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Wyoming, but no progress was reported by USDA NASS crop reporters in other parts of the United States.

California's crop report did not refer to edible beans. However, markets took note of the fact measurable rainfall was reported across the state last week. Unfortunately, a high pressure system began moving in on Sunday, bringing drying conditions.

Hopes that dry edible bean and row crop seeding would soon start in Michigan were dispelled by persistent cold and wet weather across agricultural districts in the state. Topsoil moisture is rated surplus on a third of farmland in the state and adequate on much of the balance. This brings with it the risk seeding will be further delayed as farmers wait for soils to become firm enough to support their machinery.

Wet conditions and cold soils in the northern part of the state delayed field work in Minnesota. Minnesota's topsoil moisture supplies were rated 0% very short, 2% short, 66% adequate, and 32% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 1% very short, 17% short, 67% adequate, and 15% surplus.