U.S. Dry Bean Harvest Webinar Discusses Highs and Lows of 2021

On November 17, 2021, USDBC held its second yearly webinar on the annual dry bean harvest. While the webinar format does not allow for in-person field visits, it allows us to bring information on the harvest from different areas of dry bean country to key buyers all over the world. This year almost 200 buyers from every corner of the globe tuned in to hear about the quality and yields of the 2021 harvest in Michigan, North Dakota/Minnesota, California, and Nebraska. Production in 2021 varies by state/region but according to USDA reports, is projected to be down about 16 percent from 2020. USDA also projects that the area harvested is forecast down 17 percent from 2020.

Michigan is reporting that harvest is up significantly over 2020. Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado have increased yields but lower planting and harvest numbers. California’s production is down around 40%, Yields in North Dakota are down around 700 pounds an acre from 2020 but Eastern North Dakota is only slightly below the crop average. Minnesota yields are down around 150 pounds an acre from 2020 but were variable and have picked up towards the end of harvest. These are all projections until the final crop report is issued by USDA at the end of the year. Overall, U.S. dry bean growers and dealers all emphasized several common themes and challenges over the last year including; weather, supply chain logistics, high demand, labor shortages, high cost of containers and crop inputs. They also reported on continued high quality and excellence of service as well as the sustainability of U.S. dry beans.

On behalf of our growers and dealers, we continue to be extremely proud of our unique quality and excellence of service, strong relationships with our buyers, our food safety guarantees, the respect and stewardship of our dry bean land, and our continued drive to innovate. Despite the challenges, 2022 will be another big year for USDBC.