U.S. Bean Crop Fair To Good

WASHINGTON - Jul 7/14 - SNS -- Dry edible bean crops in the United States started the second week of July in mostly fair to good condition, though growers in some states remain concerned that conditions could cause problems for crops during the growing season, judging from the latest state level crop progress reports from USDA NASS reporters.

The condition of Colorado's dry edible bean crops improved over the past week despite hot and dry conditions across the state. Precipitation was isolated while localized hail incidents were noted in the eastern district. Reporters indicated moisture was becoming increasingly scarce in the San Luis Valley and the southeastern district.

Emergence in Michigan is slightly behind normal, but the percentage of the crop in bloom is significantly higher, suggesting seeding was more compressed than in the past. While not specifically referring to edible beans, crop reporters in the state say there are seeing outbreaks of fungal diseases because of moist conditions.

Drier conditions were reported in Minnesota over the past week, giving farmers a chance to catch up on post seeding field work. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 0% very short, 0% short, 70% adequate, and 30% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 0% very short, 1% short, 67% adequate, and 32% surplus.