Modest Increase in Dry Bean Harvest

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/15 - SNS -- The United States expects to harvest 29.3 million cwt or 1.33 million metric tons (MT) of dry edible beans, up less than 1% from last year, according to the USDA's first crop production forecast for the season.

Planted area is estimated at 1.75 million acres, up 2% from 2014. Harvested area is forecast at 1.70 million acres, 2% above the previous year. The average United States yield is forecast at 1,721 pounds per acre, a decrease of 32 pounds from last season.

In North Dakota, as of August 2, 62% of the crop was reported in good or excellent condition and development was progressing ahead of last year. During July, the dry bean growing area received below average rainfall and had near normal temperatures. In Nebraska, near normal temperatures and rainfall prevailed during July with the crop rated mostly good to excellent.

In Michigan, conditions were typically wet throughout the spring and planting was delayed. During June and July there were some reports of fields under water, while other areas were in drought-like conditions. As of August 2, conditions were much more favorable for dry bean development. In Minnesota, as of August 2, the crop was rated mostly good to excellent. Idaho and Washington growers reported hot, dry weather conditions thus far as water shortages remained a concern.