Mexico short of dry beans

Mexico is coming off a disastrous 2023 bean crop and it looks like the 2024 crop could be in trouble as well. “I’ve heard reports coming out of Mexico that some of the production is down to a bag per acre,” said Greg Ackerman, director of Michigan Beans and the United States Dry Bean Council. That compares to an average of 26 bags per acre in Michigan. The dire situation in Mexico is creating a huge opportunity for exporters of black beans and pinto beans. “It’s unfortunate for them and it’s more fortunate for the American dry bean farmer,” he said, adding that it will be good for Canadian growers as well. Ackerman said Mexicans use pintos for refried beans and pastes and black beans for whole bean purposes. Processors in Canada and the U.S. are being overwhelmed with demand out of the Mexican market for those two classes of beans. “We can’t ship them down there fast enough,” he said. “There are companies that are booked out four months.” American growers are getting US$52 per ...