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 2023, Nebraska ranked nationally in dry bean production:
- 1st in production of Great Northern beans
- 2nd in production of pinto beans
- 4th in production of light red kidney beans and 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:
- Nebraska Dry Bean Commission
- The Bean Bag, a resource produced by the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association
- USDA's Briefing Room on Dry Beans
- Northarvest Bean Growers Association, serving North Dakota and Minnesota growers
Related Articles
Bean Growers Day in Grant Scheduled for August
July 23, 2024
A new Nebraska Extension event, Bean Growers Day will focus on sharing research and industry updates on various dry bean production topics, including management of weeds, pests, irrigation and soil fertility.
Crop Progress: Minimal Changes to Nebraska Crop Conditions
July 22, 2024
Most Nebraska crops have experienced a slight decline in condition over the last three weeks but remain well above conditions in July 2023.
![Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at <a href="https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/8336h188j" target="_blank">USDA</a>. Golden wheat field](https://cropwatch.unl.edu/styles/large/public/images/hero/2024/wheat_4.jpeg?itok=s8foHU4e)
Crop Progress: Wheat Harvest Ahead of Pace
July 22, 2024
As of July 14, winter wheat harvest progress was at 70% complete in Nebraska — well ahead of 18% last year.
![Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at <a href="https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/8336h188j" target="_blank">USDA</a>. Oat plant droops in front of sunset](https://cropwatch.unl.edu/styles/large/public/images/hero/2024/oat-field-sunset_1.png?itok=sskC5oey)
Crop Progress: Oat Harvest Begins
July 8, 2024
Despite the onset of summer heat, the condition of most Nebraska crops in 2024 continues to be well above last year. Harvest for winter wheat and oats is also advancing above average pace.
![Historical crop acreage reports for Nebraska are available at <a href="https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/j098zb09z" target="_blank">USDA</a>. Pea field](https://cropwatch.unl.edu/styles/large/public/images/hero/2024/peas.png?itok=wzqPNt2Q)
2024 Nebraska Acreage
July 2, 2024
Most Nebraska crop plantings are slightly higher this year, with dry edible pea acreage at a nearly 30% increase over 2023.