U.S. Expects 23% Smaller Dry Bean Crop

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/13 - SNS - United States dry edible bean production is forecast at 24.6 million cwt (100 pound units) or 1.115 million metric tons (MT) for 2013, down 23% from last year, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Dry edible bean area was down 1.8% from the June seeded area estimates and down 18% from last year at 1.433 million acres. But that drop is much smaller than suggested by informal surveys of regional edible bean traders and processors.

However, a larger than normal proportion of the crop is expected to go unharvested, with the USDA predicting that harvested area will drop 19% from last year to 1.37 million acres. The average United States yield is forecast at 1,795 pounds per acre, a decrease of 94 pounds from last season's record high yield.

Production is forecast to be lower than 2012 in 15 of the 18 producing States, including the five largest producing States, North Dakota, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Idaho. Spring rain and snow in North Dakota delayed planting, which began by mid-May. Planting was 2% complete by May 20, well behind last year and the 5-year average. Planting was virtually complete by July 7, behind the normal pace. As of August 4, the North Dakota crop rated mostly fair to good.