The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Sacramento, Calif., forecasts California Upland cotton production at 250,000 bales, up 15 percent from the Nov. 1 forecast. Harvested acreage of 70,000 resulted in a yield of 1,714 pounds per acre.

The forecast is part of NASS’ December crop production forecast.

American Pima cotton production is forecast at 330,000 bales, unchanged from November. With harvested acreage at 127,000 acres, the yield is forecast at 1,247 pounds per acre.

As of Dec. 1, cotton harvest continued with some fields picked twice in Tulare County. Other fields were shredded when harvesters left.

Dry edible bean production is forecast at 1.39 million cwt., up 45 percent from last year. Harvested acreage of 68,000 is up 31 percent from 2008 which resulted in an overall yield of 2,050 pounds per acre.

For the first time in five years, California dry bean acreage increased. In addition to more acreage, growers experienced higher yields leading to a high production year.

The garbanzo harvest was completed in the summer while harvesting of limas, black eye peas, kidneys, and other varieties neared completion by Dec. 1.

Production forecasts are released on a monthly basis and do not reflect final production estimates. Late summer and fall harvests may change estimates considerably. The next production forecast will be issued Jan. 12, 2010.