Bean Brief Update
See here for recent updates of market information and field management.
December 2010
2010 Harvest
The late spring, and dry hot mid summer conditions were not ideal for beans, with the winter crop faring better in general. Bruchid control remains a challenge, but many growers succeeded in producing samples with very low infestation.
Fears that increased French plantings may damage UK prospects into the North African human consumption markets have not materialised, with their harvest producing poor yields of low quality beans that are finding little interest in the premium market. Again, UK’s willingness to segregate various quality samples and to process (and add value) has put our produce in a strong position.
The Australian crop was looking a conspicuously large and high quality one a few weeks ago, but recent rains have certainly caused quality problems to their eastern harvest, arguably putting more reliance on European produce if the North Africans are to secure sufficient supplies.
2011 Harvest Prospects.
Winter bean plantings look to have established well, with yet again the benefit to drilling into a prepared (basic) seedbed paying dividends. Old crop beans traded to date have shown little or no discount in value for winter beans compared to springs, further highlighting the value of winter beans. In addition, splitting plantings between winter and spring crops does help spread the risk of seasonal factors on yield and quality. |
