Greetings, and welcome to NBGA's May 2026 newsletter!

May means that planting season is here! We hope that all of the growers - in our Northarvest region and beyond - have a safe and productive start to the season.

In this newsletter, you will find updates about the two recent bean competitions that NBGA sponsored (Battle of the Beans Cookoff and the People’s Choice Bean Competition with Scheels ND BBQ), more information about the June 2nd Bean There, Cooked That: Unpacking the Nutritional Power of Dry Beans webinar and a registration link, ideas of bean dishes to enjoy for Memorial Day and upcoming summer BBQs, and much more.

If you can, please consider sharing this newsletter with someone else to help us spread the word. Anyone can subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter here.

Happy reading!

Planting navy beans

May 2026 Newsletter Table of Contents:

• USDA Weekly Dry Bean Market Review
• Bean Institute: Beans for Memorial Day & BBQ Season
• Bean Nutrition Corner: How Many Beans Do People Eat?
• Northarvest in the News and on the Move
• The Dry Bean Scene
• Announcements

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.

• May 11, 2026: "Compared to last week: Trade remained light. According to the NASS Crop Progress report May 5, 2026, North Dakota had 14% dry edible peas 1% dry edible beans planted and Montana had 10% dry edible beans and 33% lentils and 37% dry edible peas planted."

• May 4, 2026: "Compared to last week: Trade remained light. According to the NASS Crop Progress report April 26, 2026, North Dakota had 6% dry edible peas planted and Montana had 5% dry edible beans and 18% lentils and 27% dry edible peas planted."

• April 27, 2026: "Compared to last week: Trade remained light. According to the NASS Prospective Plantings report March 31, 2026, dry edible beans 1,236,00 vs 1,366,00 for 2025 acres, dry edible peas 1,174,000 vs 1,173,000 for 2025 acres, lentils 832,00 vs 1,072,000 for 2025 acres, and chickpeas 499,000 vs 536,000 for 2025 acres."

• April 20, 2026: "Compared to last week: Trade remained light."

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer, and beans should be included in the celebration! Here are a few ideas of bean dishes perfect for Memorial Day, and any grilling occasion this BBQ season.

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

Pinto Bean Burger with Sriracha Mayo

This burger recipe was developed by the Culinary Institute of America for Northarvest. It is made with pinto beans and quinoa, along with ingredients like onions, bread crumbs, and flavorful spices.

➡️ Find the recipe here.

Three Bean Baked Beans

What would a BBQ be without baked beans? This recipe uses three different types of beans: black beans, great northern beans, and red kidney beans.



➡️ Find the recipe here.

Zesty White Bean & Feta Salad

This recipe only requires a few ingredients! It is packed with nutrition from the beans, and a nice tang from feta, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar.

➡️ Find the recipe here.

In their April 2026 newsletter, the Bean Institute highlighted how beans fit perfectly with picnic season: "Picnic food comes with its own set of expectations. It has to travel well, hold up without much fuss, and still taste good an hour later. Ideally, it’s something you can make ahead and forget about until you’re ready to eat. Bean-based meals fit into that rhythm easily." They highlight recipes for bean salads, beans dips & spreads, and wraps.

➡️ Read the full post - Picnic Season Starts with Beans - here.

Did you know you can follow the Bean Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube?

Click the icons below to follow on your favorite platform!

A recent science article examined the question: How many pulses (e.g., beans, chickpeas, dry peas, and lentils) are people in the United States really eating?

The article - Pulse consumption trends in the US in the context of 2025–30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: analyses of NHANES data for 1999–2018 - was published in the journal Frontiers of Nutrition. The researchers examined trends in pulse consumption over a 20-year period using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which is commonly used in nutrition research. Data from almost 49,000 adults was included in the evaluation.

What Did the Researchers Find?

Despite the numerous benefits of pulses - including nutrient density and positive human health outcomes - only approximately 17% of adults ate pulses on a given day. Average consumption among the overall study population was low, as you can see in Figure 2 below. However, it was much higher among the group of pulse consumers.

• For the overall population, mean consumption was about 2/3rds of a cup of cooked pulses per week.
• For the pulse consumer group (a subset of about 9,200 individuals from the overall sample population), mean consumption was nearly 4 cups of cooked pulses per week.

Figure 2. Amounts of cooked pulses consumed (oz/day) by total population and by pulse consumers. (Screenshot of the figure from the paper.)

Other key findings in the article include:

• The Mexican-American group ate the most pulses.
• Beans were the most consumed of the four pulses, followed by lentils, chickpeas, and peas. You can see this is Figure 3, shown below.
• This video summarizes the findings of this scientific publication.

Figure 3. Trends in cooked pulse consumption by pulse type in oz/day among all NHANES participants, 1999–2018. (Screenshot of the figure from the paper.)

Regularly including pulses in our diets can have a positive impact on diet quality, nutrition, and other aspects of our health. For instance, pulse intake is associated with benefits for cardiovascular health and blood sugar management. Not to mention, pulses are affordable, so enjoying this delicious and versatile food is a budget-friendly choice.

Reference

Drewnowski, A., Zavela, C., Tran, V., Mallya, G., & Conrad, Z. (2025). Pulse consumption trends in the US in the context of 2025–30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: analyses of NHANES data for 1999–2018. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12, 1638519.

UK & Netherlands Trade Mission

Cordell Huebsch, District 8 NBGA Director, joined members of the U.S. Dry Bean Council for an in-depth trade mission to the UK and the Netherlands in February of 2026. Industry representatives also making the journey included: Charles Wachsmuth (Chippewa Valley Bean Co.), Hanna Enders (ADM), and Alexa Tonkovich (USDBC). 

The purpose of the trade mission to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands was to strengthen market relationships and evaluate the evolving pulse industry internationally. 

The delegates met with major importers, processors, and brands—including Princes, Kraft Heinz, and Coroos—to discuss supply dynamics, shifts toward private labels, and the growing demand for convenience packaging, plant protein options, and more. 


Northarvest would like to thank Cordell as well as the entire delegation for representing the American dry bean industry.

USDBC CARIBBEAN TRADE MISSION 2026

Minnesota bean grower Bob Dombeck participated in a U.S. Dry Bean Council Caribbean Trade Mission in March. He joined Mark Williams (Kingston Wharves Ltd), Matt Searcy (Columbia Grain), Robert Guerrero (USDBC), and Jose Barrios (USDBC).

Dombeck, representing MN Dry Bean Research & Promotion Council, traveled from Fargo, ND, to commercial stops in Santo Domingo, La Vega, and San Cristóbal in the Dominican Republic. He and the rest of the trade group then traveled through Miami, FL to reach Kingston, Jamaica for the final leg of the trade mission.

Dombeck and fellow USDBC trade mission delegates met directly with major regional importers, distributors, and port operators to promote U.S.-grown edible dry beans. These meetings continue to be strengthen long-term commercial trade ties across the Caribbean, and around the world.

Northarvest would like to thank Bob for making the journey to represent his fellow growers, and the full delegation for their efforts on behalf of dry beans.

You can read more about the above trade missions (and more) in the upcoming Summer issue of Northarvest Beangrower Magazine.

People's Choice Bean Competition

To kick off May and BBQ season, the Northarvest Bean Growers Association sponsored the People’s Choice Bean Competition with Scheels ND BBQ! The festivities were open to all, with attendees sampling the different bean dishes and voting for their favorite.

Image from ND BBQ Championship Facebook post

Jennifer Hansen, NBGA Finance Director and Education & Sponsorship Committee Staff Lead, enjoyed the event. "There were 36 entries out of 74 total teams, that’s 49% participation! The winning team’s name is Brotherhood of the Burning Wood. We had excellent turn-out for public attendance, and I witnessed quite a few dedicated people that stayed to sample all 36 entries. The bean dishes ran the gamut from sweet to savory and smoky to spicy. Don’t bother asking for recipes, these are closely guarded secrets!"

Jennifer Hansen set up for a fun day of bean outreach, complete with great NBGA swag and bean donations from Bushs' Beans.

Hansen said the bean giveaway was a huge hit!

The winning team: Brotherhood of the Burning Wood

A significant amount of locals turned out to sample the many varieties of baked bean recipes.

Northarvest on North Dakota Today

NBGA Marketing & Communications Director Jed Brazier and Ashley Wait of Scheels Home and Hardware joined North Dakota Today Journalist and Anchor Austin Kurisu to talk about the Best Bean Competition. They sampled last year's champion beans and shared why they are excited about this year's event. Events like this are a great partnership to support farmers and engage the community in a fun, delicious way.

Thank you to Scheels Home and Hardware and North Dakota Today for sharing about beans and the Northarvest Bean Growers Association!

Northarvest Sponsors Battle of the Beans Cook-off

Last month, the Northarvest Bean Growers Association partnered with Noreen Thomas of Doubting Thomas Farms to host the first annual "Who's the Boss" Battle of the Beans Edition Cook-Off in Glyndon, Minnesota. A special thank you to Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen for making the trip to the North Country to promote Minnesota Dry Edible Beans!

Congratulations to Maggie's Hometown Tavern in Hendrum, MN for winning the People's Choice AND Best in Show awards, and a big thank you to all of the bean cook-off participants!

MN Ag Commissioner Thom Peterson, Noreen Thomas of Doubting Thomas Farms, and NBGA Executive Director Mitch Coulter

Below, you can read the article covering the event in InForum.

Bean Cook-off Brings Favor to Dilworth

Six local chefs competed at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School, serving creative bean dishes as part of Northarvest Bean Growers Association first cook-off event of its kind.

Attendees sample dishes during the Battle of the Beans cook-off at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as local chefs present creative bean-based recipes.

By Hunter Schwartz

April 23, 2026 at 10:52 PM

DILWORTH — Dozens of people got a taste of great food and competition in North Harvest Bean Growers' first Battle of the Beans cook-off on Thursday, April 23.

Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School hosted six local chefs who brought their best bean dish to the table.

Dishes included bean salad, bean tortilla chips, bean brownies and the winner of the cook-off, a bean and sausage skillet from Maggie's Homemade Tavern.

An event organizer there said whether they turn out savory or sweet, there's a lot you can create with beans.

"Really, by eating beans, you're doing a lot for your health, doing a lot for the farmers, too. So black beans, white beans, it's all good," said Noreen Thomas, event organizer.

The winner of the cook-off received a $300 prize, while second place took home $200.

The Northarvest Bean Growers Association is honored to receive the Friend of the North Dakota Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Award.

Thank you to staff lead Jennifer Hansen and her Northarvest Education and Sponsorship committee for working so hard to support our friends in Extension!

You can read about the Friends of Extension awards in MorningAg Clips.

JUST ANNOUNCED!

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Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

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

• ➡️ May 11, 2026: NDSU Research Plant Pathologist Michael Wunsch outlines the latest white mold research for dry bean growers.

• ➡️ May 1, 2026: North Dakota Dry Bean Council Vice Chair Rudy Dotzenrod highlights planting preparations.

• ➡️ April 24, 2026: Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen sees Minnesota as a powerhouse in dry bean production. Peterson was part of the Battle of the Beans event in Glyndon.

• ➡️ April 18, 2026: Noreen Thomas of Doubting Thomas Farms outlines the Battle of the Beans competition taking place in late April in Glyndon, Minnesota. She explains this unique opportunity to promote the dry bean industry.

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Research Extension Centers’ annual field days are set. The events take place at the Research Extension Center sites across the state and feature speakers, presentations and tours covering a diverse array of topics. The field days are open to the public.

Below are excerpts from an April 16 news release from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), announcing Appointees to the North Dakota Farm Service Agency State Committee. Click the button to view the full news release, which provides additional details about the selected individuals.

USDA Names Trump Administration Appointees to the North Dakota Farm Service Agency State Committee

Fargo, N.D. – April 16, 2026 - The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the appointment of five leaders in agriculture to serve on the North Dakota USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.  

The individuals appointed to serve on this committee for North Dakota are: 

• Erika Jo Kenner, Chair (Leeds) - Kenner is a lifelong North Dakota farmer and rancher who helps operate a diversified grain and livestock operation that includes small grains, corn, soybeans, and a large, registered Simmental herd in Leeds, North Dakota.
• Dustin Johnsrud, Member (Epping) – Johnsrud is a grain producer who farms durum, winter wheat, spring wheat, and canola while raising a young family on his multigeneration operation.
• Jeremy Kihne, Member (Mayville) – Kihne is a third-generation farmer who manages wheat, corn, soybeans, oats, hay, sugar beets, alfalfa and beef cattle operation.
• Daniel Price, Member (Center) – Price is a lifelong cattle producer who manages multiple integrated operations, including a large cow calf, feedlot, and backgrounding operation. 
• Barton Schott, Member (Kulm) – Schott is a third-generation farmer who has spent nearly five decades raising corn, soybeans, and barley while also operating a certified seed business.

“These individuals, selected by Secretary Rollins in partnership with key stakeholders in each state, are held in high regard in the agriculture industry and are entrusted to ensure FSA programs are delivered in a manner consistent with federal farm policy and in the best interest of all agricultural producers in their state,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Their appointment to the FSA state committee is a testament to their standing in the industry and their dedication to the agriculture industry, rural America and President Trump’s America First, Farmers First policies.” 

The 2026 Bean There, Cooked That: Unpacking the Nutritional Power of Dry Beans webinar will take place on June 2, from 9 - 11 am, CT. The NBGA is a proud sponsor of this webinar.

Five 20-minute presentations from different speakers will cover an array of topics, ranging from tips to cook with beans, the latest advances in popping beans, information on protein characterization in dry beans, trends and innovation, how agronomy shapes nutritional quality, product development, and more.

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

This year, the Northern Crops Institute (NCI) is offering an exciting new course. This course - Production Opportunities with Pulse & Dry Bean Ingredients - will take place on August 31 - September 3, 2026.

NCI Program Manager Krista Jansen shares why she is looking forward to the course: “This hands-on course offers a unique opportunity to explore the full value chain of pulse and dry bean ingredients. From milling and functionality to product development and market applications through expert-led sessions and live demonstrations. Participants will leave with practical insights, real-world experience, and new ideas for creating innovative, high-value food products in rapidly growing plant-based markets.”

For more information, click here or on the image below.