Michigan's 2015 dry bean production is estimated at 4.67 million cwt, down from 4.75 million cwt in 2014, according to Ty Kalaus, Acting Director of the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office . The average yield is 1,900 pounds per acre, down 40.0 pounds p er acre from last year. In Michigan, planting began the first week in June and wrapped up the week ending July 12. Conditions were typically wet throughout the spring and planting was delayed.
During June and July there were some reports of fields under wa ter, while other areas were in drought - like conditions. As of August 2, conditions were much more favorable for dry bean development. By August, sixty - one percent of the crop was reported to be in good to excellent condition. Production is forecast at 29 .3 million cwt, up less than 1 percent from last year.
Planted area is estimated at 1.75 million acres, up 2 percent from 2014. Harvested area is forecast at 1.70 million acres, 2 percent 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, sixty - two percent 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 Minnesota, as of August 2, the crop was rated mostly go od to excellent. Idaho and Washington growers reported hot, dry weather conditions thus far as water shortages remained a concern.
Source:usda.gov