North Dakota Dry Bean Variety Trial Results for 2024 and Selection Guide

Between 2023 and 2024, North Dakota’s dry bean production saw some significant changes. While yields were relatively stable the last few years (from 1,700 pounds per acre in 2023 to 1,650 pounds per acre in 2024), the state experienced a substantial increase in planted acreage. Acreage expanded from 530,000 acres in 2023 to 730,000 acres in 2024 — a 200,000-acre increase. This increase in acreage resulted in a higher overall production for 2024 with total production estimated at 1,171,500 hundredweight (CWT) — an increase from 893,900 CWT in 2023. Overall, the increase in planted acres points to optimism for dry bean growers in the state.

When evaluating varieties from trials, pay special attention to yield results closest to your production area. It is also advisable to consider yield averages over several years rather than relying on data from just one year. Additionally, other agronomic characteristics — such as maturity, lodging scores and diseases scores — should be taken into account when available.

Research specialists and technicians contributed to the fieldwork and data compilation. Secretaries contributed in entering data into the respective sections of this document. We greatly appreciate the assistance provided by everyone involved.