The Michigan Bean Commission, dedicated to researching and promoting dry beans, contributes to Michigan’s global recognition as a top producer of dry edible beans. More than 2,300 bean growers are in the state, and they are dedicated to bringing consumers a delicious variety of high-quality dry beans. Harvested from late August through October, Michigan beans are available year-round, either canned or in dry packaging.
Michigan Bean Facts:
- Michigan producers grow a variety of dry edible beans, including black beans, cranberry beans, great northern beans, red kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans, small red beans, and yellow eye beans.
- Michigan produces over 400 million pounds of edible beans and is the nation’s second-largest producer of total dry beans.
- Michigan is first in the nation in the production of black beans, cranberry beans, and small red beans and second in the country in the production of navy beans.
- Rich farmland in Michigan’s “thumb” counties produces more beans than any other place in the state, and Michigan’s Huron County is one of the top dry bean-producing counties in the nation.
- The Michigan Bean Commission is headquartered in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Frankenmuth is in the heart of the bean-growing area, near Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, providing research and product innovation resources.
- Michigan’s Bean growers have a long production history and are recognized worldwide as industry leaders.