2020 Dry Bean Production Increases

U.S. dry edible bean production was estimated at 33 million hundredweight (cwt) for 2020, according to the latest Crop Production Summary from USDA. That’s an increase of 59 percent from the previous year for comparable states. Planted area was estimated at 1.74 million acres, up 35 percent from 2019. Harvested area was estimated at 1.68 […]

Potential Biden Administration Picks are Rolling In

Speculation has begun over the possible cabinet picks in a Joe Biden presidential administration. Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp is getting most of the attention for the top job at USDA. Both Bloomberg and Politico have named Heitkamp as the likely choice for Agriculture Secretary. Other contenders include Illinois Representative Cheri Bustos, Ohio Representative […]

Dry Bean Plantings Estimated to Rise

According to the USDA Prospective Planting report, U.S. farmers intend to plant 1.37 million acres of dry edible beans in 2020. That is up 7 percent from the previous year’s 1.29 million acres. Planted area is expected to be above last year in all estimating states except California. Minnesota farmers intend to plant 215,000 acres […]

Dry Bean Scene

Farmers are planning for the 2020 crop. Leeds, North Dakota farmer Eric Jorgenson says despite some challenges, the outlook for dry beans remains positive. Get the details in the latest Dry Bean Scene from the Northarvest Bean Growers Association on the Red River Farm Network.

USDA Forecasts Near Average 2020 Net Farm Income

USDA is forecasting 2020 net farm income to increase 3.3 percent compared to 2019. Net farm income is expected to hit $96.7 billion in 2020, an increase of $3.1 billion compared to 2019. However, USDA expects 2020 net cash farm income to be down nine percent to $109.6 billion. Total direct government payments to the […]

Senate Approves Ag Appropriations Bill

The U.S. Senate approved the Agriculture Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2020. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, says the legislation makes sure farmers have access to risk management tools and capital. Funds for implementing the 2018 Farm Bill are a part of the bill. Also included is support […]