This has not been a good June for Michigan’s dry bean crop.
Dry beans are primarily grown in the Thumb region. Dry beans account for about $250 million in Michigan’s agricultural economy.
But heavy rains this month have slowed planting by about 25%. Many of the crops that are the ground have also been damaged by the higher-than-normal rainfall.
“It’s just way too early to assess what impact it will have,” says Jim Byrum, the president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “But suffice to say it’s not going to be a positive start to the growing season this year.”
Dry bean farmers are now facing a time crunch. If they wait, the crop may come in late and delay planting of their late-summer wheat crop. Farmers must also decide if they will file for crop insurance. Every day they wait means less money in compensation.
