News

Michigan dry bean stocks larger than usual

The Michigan Department of Agriculture says the state’s dry beans stocks are the highest in more than 15 years.

Joe Cramer with the Michigan Bean Commission tells Brownfield while the numbers are higher than usual, most beans are already sold and are waiting to be shipped to processors.  “We had some logistical issues that delayed shipments and actually increased that carryover number, as well as canners and processors who just didn’t take delivery of the beans within an agreed upon time.”

He says increased stocks may tighten storage capacity at harvest, but lower acres and yields projected this year should make that a nonissue.  “Yields have been, I guess I would say disappointing but not surprising given the heat and lack of water that we had this growing season.”  He says, “I think we’re going to shake out right in that 17 or 18 bag average yield.”

Michigan’s ag department says commercial elevators at the end of August held 2.3 million hundredweight of dry beans in storage, more than double last year and the most since the 2000 report.

AUDIO: Interview with Joe Cramer