Improve Profitability of Bean Production
In
Colorado, commercial dry bean production has occurred for more than 100
years. During that time, the industry has changed a great deal, from both
a cost of production and return on investment perspective. The USDA began
statistical record keeping on pinto bean production in 1919. At that time,
total US pinto production was less than 10,000 cwt, whereas today, total
US pinto production ranges from 10 to 14 million cwt, and Colorado alone
produces 2 to 3 million cwt. The greatest degree of change in production
occurred between 1978 and today due to increased acreage in the Great
Plains and North Dakota. In North Dakota alone, planted acres approximately
tripled from 1981 to today.
Given the tight margins between the cost of production and gross income, it is difficult for producers to profit from the pinto bean crop. Some factors other than net return should also be considered in the decision to plant beans in the rotation with cereals. Beans area important in crop rotations because they allow diversity in a farming system, enable growers to diversify herbicide use, and require less nitrogen inputs into the system because they can fix some atmospheric nitrogen. They also allow the producer to take advantage of the times in the price cycle when bean prices are high due to limited supply or increased export demand in the world market.
This article (and associated graphics) will summarize some ways to improve profitability of the bean crop by good management and reducing inputs where appropriate. I suggest ten ways to enhance profitability. First, choose a suitable field for production of dry beans. Beans require better field conditions that other traditional crops grown in Colorado such as wheat or corn. Because beans are more sensitive to salinity and excessive N, choose a field that has near normal pH and is free from salinity problems. Second, choose a high yielding variety that is adapted to your growing conditions. You can determine the most profitable bean variety or varieties by testing varieties on your farm in strip plots, consulting public variety test reports, and attending Colorado Dry Bean Field Days organized by the Colorado State University Crop Testing Program each year. Do not purchase seed just because it is cheaper; good seed and high yielding varieties return many fold more than the investment.
Third, evaluate for the presence of soil compaction and alleviate it when it occurs. Probe the soil in the fall or early spring prior to planting with a tensiometer or steel rod to detect compaction. If a compacted layer is found in the upper 24 inches of the soil profile, deep rip prior to planting, or at a minimum, over the row at planting. Fourth, take a valid soil test and analyze for N, P, K, and zinc and iron if the field is composed of weathered soil or is very low in organic matter. Application of fertilizer without a valid soil test is usually a waste of money because over-application of nutrients cost money that will not provide a return on the investment, and under-application may limit yield potential. Therefore, (fifth) apply the correct fertilizer amount and blend based on the soil test results. Adjust fertilizer rates based on yield goals and past history of production in the field. Poor soils, such as those that are high in salinity or low in organic matter do not respond as well to fertilization, and application of fertilizer should be limited. Whereas, highly productive deep, well-drained soils respond to high applications of fertilizer. Band apply fertilizer where appropriate as it results in greater crop-use efficiency.
Sixth, monitor soil moisture every week during June, then twice a week or more during July and early August. Apply water when the available soil moisture has depleted to 40-50 %, and apply a sufficient amount to refill the entire root zone. Too frequent irrigation reduces yield by increasing root disease, reducing soil aeration, and preventing deep rooting. If possible, irrigate when the air temperature is below 700 to prevent temperature shock that can cause floral abortion. Seventh, scout the field twice weekly. Carefully observe both upper and lower leaf surfaces for disease or insect pests. Dig the plants to inspect rooting patterns, soil moisture, nodulation and the general health or the root system. Be especially aware of patterns in the field that could indicate early disease infection, poor water distribution or other problems that can be addressed in a management program including the timely application of effective pesticides. Eighth, limit irrigation during late pod fill, and undercut when 80% of the pods have turned form green to brown to prevent shattering and crop loss. Windrow when there is dew on the crop, also to prevent pod shattering.
Ninth, prior to entering the field with the combine, test seed moisture (it should be between 15 and 18%), slow the cylinder, and use an appropriate bean concave. Immediately after threshing one round, inspect the field for losses and the seed for damage. Use the seed soak test to properly evaluate for seed loss and seed damage. A properly adjusted combine will leave minimal seed in the field and damage less than 5% of the seeds. Tenth, plan your crop for an early harvest. This includes planting prior to May 25, limiting N application to account for residual N from the previous crop, managing irrigation water efficiently, and undercutting early. This will allow you to capitalize on the early pinto crop in which processors often pay premium; the premium often disappears after September first.
In
summary, profitability of the pinto bean crop has become more difficult
in recent years due to declining bean prices and increase operating costs.
Monitor every aspect of the crop to maintain profitability. There are
areas in the management, where fewer inputs will enhance economic return,
where, other inputs such as seed, soil tests, and other management efforts
should not be reduced to maintain profitability. Also consider the value
of the bean crop to your rotation and the opportunity to take advantage
of high bean prices when they occur. A profitable bean crop enhances your
farming operation, however it takes diligence and careful planning during
the entire crop season.
