The early-planted fields of both coloured and white pea beans are yielding much better than expected both in tonnage and quality.  Reports have some fields averaging above 3000 lb per acre.  This of course has had an impact on prices and programs for the specialty dealers that handle edible beans.

In white beans responses to this unexpected event are mixed.  Some dealers have removed their board prices others are accepting only contracted quantities.  Prices have tumbled $6 to 7 per bag on white beans and more on coloured beans.  In essence, the traditional ‘board’ prices have been removed and replaced with specific in-house contract pricing formats.  Initial advices indicate that overages on contract beans qualify for a ‘cash-advance’ and free storage until a board price is established.

Producers are strongly urged to check-out and understand their obligations and privileges at their respective dealer.

[Editor’s note: It has yet to be seen whether Ontario’s so called “second” crop – those acres planted in late June and got pounded with rain will yield as well.]

An Article written by Sarah Hills found on the website  nutraingredients-usa.com dated September 15 2008 suggests :

More consumers in the US are becoming aware of fiber and are trying to increase their consumption of whole grains as part of a healthy diet, according to a new survey.

Yet while awareness of various carbohydrates remained stable over the last couple of years, awareness of fiber and whole grains were an exception as they increased “significantly”, the survey found.

Soluble fiber in particular has been researched for its benefits to digestive health, as well as weight management since it can boost satiety, reducing the tendency to snack.

Meanwhile there is growing evidence which suggests that whole grains provide vitamins, minerals and high levels of antioxidants. They have also been shown to help reduce the risk factors for a number of diseases, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

[Editors note: The above highlights are this editor’s emphasis.  

A question we need ask ourselves is “Where do Beans fit?”  The common bean has somewhere in the neighborhood of 60%  carbohydrate – high in resistant starches which translates to a low GI (glycemic index).  This along with their nearly 16% crude fibre - both soluble and insoluble should also make them an intereting candidate for the growing fiber market.]

For the entire article click here.

Industry sources and personal observation indicate dry bean harvest has just begun with less than 1% complete as rains from remnants of hurricane Hanna and Ike begin pelting the Great Lakes basin.

 A wetter and cooler than expected season saw Ontario’s crop planted in two parts.  Early planted fields that have now been harvested (mostly Cranberry beans) are showing better than trend yields with size improving (“outstanding”).  Size improved over some fields that were planted and harvested early to hit the “August on Board” market.

Some harvesting of white beans has begun with combines just nosing into the early fields.  Yields remain variable and anecdotal (coffee shop reliable).

Some of the “second crop” beans – those planted in late June and the first days of July are showing maturing characteristics of yellowing, bronzing and with leaf drop. Harvest in earnest will now only begin once the rains stop and fields and crops have a chance to dry out.

Reports from Manitoba suggest average yields and quality with some wet weather delays.

The Michigan growing area is similar to Ontario – cautiously optimistic, looking for drier weather and hoping for average yields and quality.

The largest production region Min/Dak is expecting slightly above trend yields (projected at 16 bags)

click here2009-ontario-bean-day-save-the-date

The chart for drying charges for the 2008/09 Ontario White Pea Bean crop can be found here pick-chart-20081 and drychgs-2008

So says a report from Statpub.com. Their in-house calculated bean index is nearly 25% better than the last three year annual average.

For a listing of reviews of all dry beans click here

[Editor’s Note: Unconfirmed reports have grower Board prices in Michigan as follows: Navies (White Beans) $46.00/bag; Black Beans $44.00/bag; and some of the other large seeded common bean varieties like Crans., Light Reds, and Dark Red Kidney beans ranging in the mid to high 50’s – US dollars per bag.  As our Canadian dollar slips one might expect the Ontario grower prices for dry beans to firm somewhat.]

The August 25^th crop update from Thompsons indicates that harvest in Ontario has started primarily due to very favourable weather.

Yields are expected to be average.

The report covers crop conditions and rate of harvest in Michigan and Manitoba.

For the full report and colour pictures click here.

[Editor’s Note: Driving along a gravel side road in Ontario’s bean country yesterday this writer found a field of white beans on the east side with 70+% leaf drop and mature beans in the pod that were hard to bite in half, while on the west side that field of beans was still as green as grass.]