Greetings, and welcome to NBGA's January 2026 newsletter - our first newsletter of 2026!



We hope everyone had a nice end to 2025, and we wish you a happy new year. We are looking forward to all that 2026 has in store, and the first month of the year is already an exciting one for beans!

Yes, some people resolve to eat healthier in the new year - and nutrient-packed beans certainly fit the bill. However, nutrition is only one of many reasons to celebrate beans. In fact, January 6th was National Bean Day in the United States. Now, in just a little over a week, we will be continuing the bean celebration at the International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo (ISDBE). You will find more details about ISDBE, important industry announcements, and much more in this newsletter.

Happy reading!

The Midwest Dry Bean Coalition traveled to Washington D.C. in December

January 2026 Newsletter Table of Contents:

• Bean Poll
• USDA Weekly Dry Bean Market Review
• Announcements
• International Sugarbeet & Dry Bean Expo
• Bean Institute: Crockpot Meals
• Bean Nutrition Corner: Fiber & Beans Predicted to Be Top Trends in 2026
• Northarvest in the News and on the Move
• The Dry Bean Scene

Bean Poll

Thank you to everyone who participated in our December 2025 poll.

Approximately 60% of respondents indicated that they will either definitely or most likely attend this month's International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo. We look forward to seeing everyone soon! If you are still undecided, you can find more information in this newsletter and on the ISDBE website.

Please participate in this month's poll by clicking on an option below.

January 2026 Poll: What most interests you about the International Sugarbeet and Dry Bean Expo?

Below, you can find links to the most recent USDA Weekly Dry Bean Market Reviews. Click on the date to see the report.

• The next USDA Weekly Dry Bean Market report will be released soon. You will be able to find that report here.

• For the Dry Edible Beans Daily Grower Bids, check here.

• January 12, 2026: "Compared to last week: Trade remained very light. According to NASS Annual Crop Production Report January 12, 2026, 2025 area harvested for dry edible beans was 1,334,600 acres and lentils was 949,000 acres and Chickpea was 520,300 acres and dry edible pea 1,063,000 acres."

• January 5, 2026: "Compared to last week: Trade remained very light."

• December 15, 2025: "Compared to last week: Trade remained very light. According to NASS Crop Production report December 9, 2025, yield per acre for dry edible beans was 2203 versus 2081 for 2024 and dry edible pea was 1814 versus 1775 for 2024 and chickpeas was 1418 versus 1144 for 2024 and lentils was 1055 versus 1002 for 2024."

NDSU Getting It Right Dry Bean Webinar

Getting It Right is an annual crop production conference featuring the latest research-based production information presented by NDSU specialists.

The 2026 Getting It Right Dry Bean Webinar will be held on February 17, 2025. You can register at the link below. Find more information about other webinars in the Getting It Right series on the NDSU website.

USDA Announces Commodity Payment Rates for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

Eligible producers to receive pre-filled program applications and payments in February

Below are excerpts from the December 31, 2025 press release.

(Washington, D.C., December 31, 2025) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the next phase in the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, the eligible commodity per-acre payment rates. As announced earlier this month by President Trump and Secretary Rollins, $12 billion will be paid to American farmers in 2026. Of that amount, $11 billion consists of one-time FBA program payments.

“President Trump committed to increase certainty in the farm economy, and farmers can count on these payment rate calculations when going to the bank as they plan for the spring planting season. Putting Farmers First means delivering real relief when it matters. Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments in their bank accounts by February 28, 2026,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These one-time payments give farmers the bridge to continue to feed and clothe America and the world while the Trump Administration continues opening new markets and strengthening the farm safety net. USDA is making this process as simple and seamless as possible so producers can focus on what they do best – feeding and fueling our nation.”

➡️ Read the full press release here - it includes information about eligible row crop commodities and payment rates, program applications, specialty crop assistance, and more. You can also find more info about the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program here.

USDA Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections

Voting for local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county voting period is now underway! Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Agricultural producers who serve on committees work to make FSA farm programs serve the needs of local producers. All ballots for the current election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Feb. 2, 2026.

Please see an excerpt from the January 6 news release below.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revised the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee voting period, and eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country should receive ballots this week. 

Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots postmarked by Feb. 2, 2026, for those ballots to be counted. Newly elected members will take office on March 2, 2026.   

“Voting in your local county committee election isn’t just a ballot – it’s your voice shaping how federal programs impact your livelihood,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “County committees guide decisions on disaster assistance, conservation and farm program delivery at the local level, and every producer who serves on an FSA county committee helps ensure the decisions the committee makes reflect the needs of their neighbors and their community.”   

➡️ Read the full news release here.

"This year, the bean market is facing a significant surplus due to the halting of federal funding. For many growers, this means excess crop with limited outlets. Rather than letting beans go unused, Convoy of Hope provides an incredible opportunity for farmers, processors, and agricultural companies. Surplus crops can be put to work through Convoy’s Children’s Feeding initiative by providing nutritious meals to school children around the world. Currently, Convoy feeds more than 639,000 children in 40 countries every school day.

"Donating is simpler than you might think. Through a transfer of ownership, you can donate bulk beans directly to Convoy of Hope and receive unique tax advantages, often reducing or eliminating the need to claim the income on your harvest while still deducting input costs. And there’s no hassle on your end. Convoy provides a single point of contact and takes care of logistics, ensuring your crops are efficiently stored, transported, and distributed where they make the greatest difference.



"The process is simple, and the end result is powerful. A surplus crop turns into millions of meals that help children grow, learn, and thrive. And you’re not just providing them with food and a hope for a brighter tomorrow — you’re building a legacy of compassion tied to your family, farm, or company."

To learn more or to make a donation, please click the link below to visit: www.convoyofhope.org.

New Course by the Northern Crops Institute on Opportunities for Dry Bean Ingredients

Northarvest is thrilled to share about an exciting new course offered by the Northern Crops Institute (NCI). This course - Production Opportunities with Pulse & Dry Bean Ingredients - will take place on August 31 - September 3, 2026.

For more information, click here or on the image below. We will also share more information later in the year in this newsletter.

The first International Sugarbeet & Dry Bean Expo (ISDBE) is just around the corner! Northarvest is excited to build upon our Bean Day's legacy of strong programming and attendance, collaborating with our Sugarbeet partners to reach a wider audience and host the event at a venue that can showcase equipment and other new additions.

This show is FREE to attend, and you won't want to miss out on the excellent programming, chance to connect with fellow growers and exhibitors, and more.

We hope to see everyone at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks on January 21 - 22, 2026!

➡️ Register here! You can find more information about ISDBE on the website.

A big thank you to Bush Brother's & Company for being our Presenting Sponsor! NBGA is honored to have the

biggest name in canned beans support the very first 
International Sugarbeet & Dry Bean Expo!

Supporting Sponsors

Thank you for helping us make the best first International Sugarbeet & Dry Bean Expo possible!

Partner Sponsors

We appreciate our partners support & efforts in helping us make the inaugural International Sugarbeet & Dry Bean Expo possible!

Contributing Sponsors

We appreciate your support for helping us make the best first International Sugarbeet & Dry Bean Expo possible!

Ropa North America

Valent


Northarvest Bean Growers Association

Reach Partners Inc

Material Motion Inc.

Ag Spray Equipment-Fargo

Satake


Bonanza Bean


Belchim Crop Protection USA

Transystems

Electric Pump, LLC


Social Sponsor

Thank you to Spraytec for choosing to be ISDBExpo's social sponsor

Joining us at ISDBExpo?

See the hotel information below to book your rooms now!

CanadInns Destination Centre Grand Forks 
(701) 772-8404 

Address: 1000 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201 

Staybridge Suites Grand Forks, an IHG Hotel

(701) 772-9000
Address: 1175 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201

Baymont by Wyndham Grand Forks 

(701) 757-2345 

Address: 951 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201 

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Forks

(701) 757-3600
Address: 4051 Garden View Dr, Grand Forks, ND 58201

Grand Forks Lodge 

(701) 757-7000

Address: 4040 11th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201

My Place Hotel-Grand Forks  

(701) 757-1717

Address: 1315 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201

Additional hotel and community information can be found via

the Grand Forks Conventions and Visitors Bureau 

https://www.visitgrandforks.com/where-to-stay/

With the winter temperatures, there is something extra satisfying and warming about walking into a home filled with the savory smell of a Crockpot meal. Crockpot meals are a great way to save time, allowing the slow simmering to do the work of developing rich flavors. Here are three ideas of Crockpot meals - starring beans, of course! - that are sure to hit the spot.

All recipes and photos below are courtesy of the Bean Institute.

Crockpot Roast

The earthy flavor and creamy texture of pinto beans make this Crockpot Roast extra delicious.

➡️ Find the recipe here.

Bean Bake

This Bean Bake uses both dark red kidney beans and pinto beans, taking advantage of their unique flavor profiles and textures.

➡️ Find the recipe here.

Crockpot Cassoulet

Navy beans star in this flavorful, French-inspired dish.

➡️ Find the recipe here.

In their December 2025 newsletter, the Bean Institute highlighted how seamlessly beans can be used in baked goods, making them a wonderful addition to holiday treats. "It might sound a little unexpected, but beans work beautifully in baked goods. Utah State University Extension has found that bean purée can often replace 25–50% of the fat in recipes while helping maintain moisture and structure, a surprisingly helpful swap for brownies, muffins, cookies, and more. And because beans add protein and fiber, the end result can feel just a little more satisfying without losing any of the comfort we want from holiday treats."

➡️ Read the full post - Bake a Little Light Into the Season with Beans - here. The post links to many tasty recipes, too!

We did a roundup of predicted food and nutrition trends for this year, and we have good news: 2026 looks like a wonderful year for beans!

In fact, BBC Good Food's article on predicted 2026 trends declared that this will be the year of the bean: "'I'm going to call it, 2026 will be the year of the bean,” Lucy claims. Why? Beans are a solution to so many of the emerging diet trends including protein-first, plant-based, sustainable (lower carbon footprint), high-fibre (gut health)... [n]ot to mention budget-friendly in an increasingly cost-pressured world.'"

Screenshot from BBC Good Food article

Predicted Trends

In the array of articles we reviewed by various organizations that regularly predict consumer trends and behavior, there were numerous recurring themes that relate perfectly to beans. This was in addition to several sources explicitly highlighting beans.

• Protein still popular. Protein has been a nutritional focus for many years, and this is expected to continue. Innova Market Insights shares, "Nearly 60% of global food and beverage consumers report that they are actively incorporating more protein into their diets."
• Fiber in the spotlight. Nearly every article we looked at addressed the importance of dietary fiber as a top trend, as well as the critical contributions fiber makes to our health. Especially as awareness of how beneficial gut health is to overall well-being increases, interest in including more fiber - a cornerstone of gut health - into our diets is on the rise. Tastewise lists that consumer appetite for high fiber dips is also growing. Looking for an easy way to boost your fiber intake? Try swapping out half a cup of refined grains (like white rice) for a half cup of beans.
• Nutrient-density. Especially for those using weight loss medications, a focus on nutrient density is key. With lower caloric intake, it is even more important to make every bite count. Lean protein like beans, foods high in fiber - of which beans are one of the richest sources - and foods rich in other key nutrients are recommended. Even for those not using weight loss medication, nutrient-dense foods are beneficial to our well-being!
• Convenient, healthy meals. EatingWell highlights a trend they call Healthy in a Hurry. "Now more than ever, people are looking for the intersection between nutritious and quick," the article explains. Beans can be a perfect solution. For instance, making a large batch of a simple bean salad or bean chili and storing leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer means you have something healthy and fast on hand.
• Beans! One of the ten trends EatingWell wrote about was: Beans & Legumes. "Pulses (beans and legumes) are having a moment, and it will only be elevated in 2026...Beans and legumes are so versatile, shelf-stable and nutrient-dense, keeping your gut and heart as healthy as can be. Embrace the pulses and have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner." That's right, beans got their own special callout!

As you can see, key trends predicted by EatingWell specifically mentioned beans and highly related topics, like fiber. Screenshot from EatingWell article.

Articles Referenced

If you would like to read more about predicted food and nutrition trends in 2026, here are the articles referenced in this month's Nutrition Corner:

• BBC Good Food - Nutritionists Predict 2026's Biggest Healthy Eating Trends. And They're SO Much Easier Than You Thought!
• Datassential - 2026 Food, Flavor & Beverage Trends
• EatingWell - You’ll See These 10 Food & Nutrition Trends Everywhere in 2026
• Food & Wine - The Biggest Food Trends of 2026, From Fibermaxxing to Cabbage-Core
• Innova Market Insights - Innova's Top Ten Trends 2026: Shaping the Future of Food & Beverage
• Tastewise - 2026 Food & Beverage Trend Forecast
• Whole Foods Market - The Next Big Things: Our Top Food Trend Predictions for 2026

Midwest Dry Bean Coalition in Washington D.C.

The Midwest Dry Bean Coalition traveled to Washington D.C. on December 8-11, 2025. Three of our Board members participated in the mission: NBGA President Tony Richards, NBGA Vice President Cordell Huebsch, and North Dakota Dry Bean Council Vice Chair Rudy Dotzenrod. We sincerely appreciate our Board taking time to join this important trip.

Thank you to the Combest, Sell and Associates for your guidance and organization of Hill and Agency visits. We are grateful for all the individuals working so hard on behalf of the American people!

The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored, in part, by NBGA. Click on the links below to listen to the most recent episodes.

• ➡️ January 12, 2026: This Dry Bean Scene episode highlights new NDSU dry bean varieties for the upcoming growing season. NDSU Broadleaf Agronomist Ana Carcedo talks about a new small red variety called Red Velvet, and a new light red kidney variety, ND Pink Slippers. Listen to hear the benefits these varieties offer.

• ➡️ January 5, 2026: An end-of-year research report by Straits Research evaluates the market trends in plant-based foods, honing in on dry beans.

• ➡️ December 26, 2025: NDSU Plant Pathologist Michael Wunsch talks about new research that shows better timing and application strategies can significantly improve fungicide performance against white mold.

• ➡️ December 22, 2025: NBGA President Tony Richards recaps the recent Midwest Dry Bean Coalition's D.C. Fly-In.

• ➡️ December 12, 2025: Minnesota Dry Bean Research and Promotion Council Director Jon Krause discusses a recent trade mission to Germany and Switzerland.