Dry Edible Beans

Mixed dry edible beans

The latest Extension information about dry bean production and management practices from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Nebraska's Dry Bean Industry

Nebraska dry edible bean producers plant anywhere from 140,000 to 200,000 acres of beans annually, producing approximately 1 billion servings. This production is concentrated in western Nebraska, where the climate is arid and the warm days and cool nights provide excellent growing conditions for dry edible beans.

In 2021, Nebraska ranked nationally in dry bean production:

  • 1st in production of Great Northern beans
  • 2nd in production of pinto beans and light red kidney beans
  • 4th in production of all dry edible beans

Hear from farmers in the Nebraska Panhandle and follow dry bean harvest from start to finish in this film by Joe Patterson with support from the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission.

Learn More About Dry Beans:

Related Articles

Dry bean field
Dry edible bean field in western Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone)

2023 Dry Edible Bean Day Set for Feb. 7 in Gering

January 31, 2023
Numerous UNL experts are set to present updates on the dry edible bean breeding program, on-farm research studies, pest and nutrient management research, and more.

Read more

Dry beans after slow-darkening test

2022 Nebraska Dry Edible Bean Trial Results Available

January 12, 2023
The dry bean report includes a description and summary of the trials, and tables that list yield, 100 seed-weight and test weight adjusted at 14% moisture, and other phenological data for each variety.

Read more

Soybean harvest

Crop Progress: Soybean, Dry Bean Harvest Nearly Finished

October 27, 2022
As of Oct. 23, soybean harvest was at 93%, well ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Dry edible beans and winter wheat are also nearly finished with harvest, while corn and sorghum are now over 50% done.

Read more

Dry bean harvest
Dry bean harvest in the Nebraska Panhandle using a conventional combine. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Dry Bean Harvest in the Nebraska Panhandle

October 20, 2022
So far this harvest season, dry beans are yielding 39 bushels per acre, a slight decrease from previous years.

Read more

Soybean harvest

Crop Progress: Corn, Soybean Harvest Ahead of Schedule, Winter Wheat Planting Wraps Up

October 18, 2022
As of Oct. 16, corn and soybean harvest was well ahead of average pace, and winter wheat planting was at 94% complete.

Read more