Crops that are less expensive to grow but still have profit potential may look more attractive in the expected market environment.

Expect smaller margins for error in 2025

Unless you're growing pinto beans, sharpen your pencils when calculating costs of production

Glacier FarmMedia — As of this writing it’s four and a half months until Canadian farmers will plant their next crop and at least eight months before the next harvest. But as of the middle of December, potential profits from growing grains, oilseeds and pulses are looking grim in Western Canada. “Costs have come down […] Read more


Manitoba's latest cost-of-production estimates for various field crops put black beans third for expected profitability.

Beans mounting a comeback?

Expected prices could make some Manitoba growers take a closer look at dry beans in 2024

Could dry beans be poised to make a comeback in Manitoba? While it’s difficult to say with certainty, the latest Manitoba Agriculture estimates for crop production costs in the province for 2024 suggest it’s possible. Pinto beans are ranked No. 1 in terms of profitability among all field crops, according to the guide’s budget estimates, […] Read more






Pinto beans. (Vergani_Fotografia/iStock/Getty Images)

Pulse weekly outlook: Manitoba’s edible beans come off in good shape

MarketsFarm — Manitoba’s edible bean harvest wrapped up in much easier fashion in 2020 compared to the snow delays of the previous year, with relatively good quality and yields, according to early indications. “When you don’t get a major snowstorm on Thanksgiving weekend, it makes a difference,” said Manitoba Agriculture pulse specialist Dennis Lange, noting […] Read more

Pinto beans. (Scott Bauer photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Pulse weekly outlook: Manitoba edible beans look good for now

Bean growers watching weather

MarketsFarm — Edible bean crops in Manitoba remain in generally good shape in mid-July, with early indications pointing to solid production on the year. “Overall, they look pretty good,” said Dennis Lange, provincial pulse specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, on the state of dry edible bean crops. The crops had struggled with wind damage early on […] Read more



Pinto beans. (Vergani_Fotografia/iStock/Getty Images)

Pulse weekly outlook: Edible beans on move

MarketsFarm — Following a lengthy 2018 harvest, Manitoba’s edible bean farmers are optimistic about the 2019 growing season. According to an outlook report published in late December by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, pulse farmers are expected to plant approximately the same amount of acreage as seen in 2018. However, after strong yields in 2018, Manitoba […] Read more