Are dry beans and food-grade soybeans right for your farm

Nov 01, 2024
By Denise Faguy
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Ontario Produces 120,000 acres (6 percent) of North American Dry Bean Acres

At the 2024 Great Ontario Yield Tour, Wade Bicknell, the food grade origination manager at Hensall Co-op, shared insights on the performance and management of Identity Preserved (IP) beans.

He began by explaining that Hensall Co-ops is in a unique position because of its Global Logistics division when it comes to food grade beans. They work with customers in the United Kingdom, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

“The dry bean market is an interesting one,” Bicknell began. “Dry beans are not traded on the Chicago Board of Trade, making price discovery and market information harder to get.”

He explained that the demand side for dry beans does not change much from year to year. Bickell spoke about dry beans and food grade soybeans, for dry beans he spoke about market influences.

On the supply side there are 1.9 million acres planted of dry beans in North America, with North Dakota and Minnesota being the largest producing states in the United States, producing about 33 percent.

Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba produce about 300,000 acres, and Ontario produces 120,000 acres or about 6 percent of North American dry bean acres.

Pinto beans are by far the largest market class followed by black beans, both types show increased acreages and are up 50 percent from the year before.

Over the past three years, Hensel Co-op has engaged in third-party research to analyze the yield variations among different varieties of IP beans.

The first year showed minimal difference in yield, whereas the second year presented significant discrepancies. The anticipation for this year’s results is high, reflecting the unpredictable nature of agricultural yields.

The discussions also touched on the challenges and expectations from the market, emphasizing the need for farmers to adhere strictly to contract terms to capitalize on the premium pricing.

Bicknell noted that there are logistical and financial challenges associated with maintaining non-GMO status, including the costs of identity preserved certification.

Despite these challenges, Bicknell remains optimistic about the opportunities for Ontario farmers in producing non-GMO and organic products. “We have the infrastructure, we have the knowledgeable growers, we have everything in place to maintain world class products that we sell around the world.”

Watch the video below to see Wade Bicknell’s complete presentation during the 2024 2024 Great Ontario Yield Tour.

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.