Area Up, But Average Yields Down

VANCOUVER - Aug 11/12 - SNS -- This year's dry edible bean crop in the United States could reach 27.0 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1.225 million metric tons (MT), up 36% from last year, according to the USDA's first objective yield estimate for the crop.

Planted area is now estimated at 1.71 million acres, up 42% from 2011, and up 5% from the June estimate of 1,63 million acres. Interestingly, area is nearly identical to the 1.73 million acres forecast by STAT in the middle of January.

The USDA thinks this year's harvested area will end up at 1.67 million acres, 45% above the previous year. The average United States yield is forecast at 1,614 pounds per acre, a decrease of 102 pounds from 2011 and 122 pounds below the recent five-year average.

Commenting on the crop situation in the United States, the USDA said, "In North Dakota, planting began the end of April and was virtually complete by the first week of June, two weeks ahead of the 5-year average. As of July 29, 85% of the crop was setting pods. Topsoil moisture supplies were reported as adequate in the major growing regions.

"In Michigan, dry bean planting began the last week in May and wrapped up the week ending June 24. As of July 29, 79% of the crop was reported to be in good to excellent condition. In Minnesota, planting and crop development was progressing well ahead of last year and condition ratings were mostly fair to good as of July 29."