Ontario's Hensall Co-op is encouraging farmers to grow food-grade navy beans to raise revenue, diversify rotations and spread seasonal workloads, Barry Cavanaugh of the co-op told growers in a presentation at the 2026 Great Ontario Yield Tour, Farms.com reports.
Founded in 1937, the farmer-owned co-op moved into the food-grade bean market in the mid-1990s and now has about 6,000 members and 600 employees. Cavanaugh said navy beans are a good first dry bean, since other types need specialised equipment. The co-op's production contracts generally guarantee acceptance of the contracted crop, with provisions for events such as severe weather.
He advised avoiding heavy, poorly drained clay in favour of well-drained loam or silt loam with even soil, adequate fertility, suitable pH and good rotation. Planting fits after corn and soybeans, with 20 May to 10 June a favourable window in Ontario, and existing planters can be used with the right plates. Row spacing and population should close the canopy quickly.
Weed control is critical because weeds complicate harvest and hurt quality; Cavanaugh stressed controlling them early and stopping seed set, using fungicide against white mould, and desiccating the crop for even drying. At harvest, sharp cutting equipment, slower speeds and gentle combine settings reduce seed damage, with about 18% moisture as the target. Delivered beans are checked for foreign material, immature seed and discolouration, and deductions affect growers' pay.
Beyond revenue, beans spread planting and harvest work and fit well before winter wheat. Cavanaugh suggested new growers start with 35 to 45 acres, about one truckload, and said dry beans are not right for every farm.
Photo: Rasbak / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Source: Farms.com
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