U.S. Bean Seeding Over 20% Complete

WASHINGTON - Jun 3/13 - SNS -- Seeding of this year's dry edible bean crops is just over 20% complete, with limited progress in Michigan offset by better progress in the rest of the growing area.

In their latest crop progress report, crop reporters in Michigan said only a few fields bean beans have been planted because "most growers have not yet started to plant." There were only three days available for field work during the past week as wet weather kept farmers out of fields most of the week. Ponding was common in low areas of fields and there was some drown out in those areas as well.

Michigan's growers are looking for a dry window to be able to apply herbicides and cut hay. Emergence has been good for both corn and soybeans. Some growers noted corn was a bit yellow due to excessively wet fields and cool temperatures. Wheat growers that had not yet applied fungicides prepared to do so. A few dry beans went in the ground, though most growers have not yet started to plant. Sugarbeet emergence was very good and the crop is in good condition.

By contrast, growers in neighboring Minnesota have planted 44% of this year crop, compared to 88% at this time last year and the recent average of 75% complete by the start of June. As with Michigan, cool and wet weather prevailed again during the past week.

Standing water and muddy fields continued to hamper field work while earlier planted crops emerged in better drained areas. Statewide temperatures averaged 1.1 degrees below normal, with rainfall 0.34 inches above normal. The Northwest and Southeast districts had 1.33 and 1.37 inches of rainfall above normal, respectively. There was a statewide average of 2.2 days rated suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies increased to 0% very short, 2% short, 63% adequate, and 35% surplus.