By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska Dry Bean Commission (NDBC) recently hosted 18 international dry bean buyers from eight countries as part of the 2025 United States Dry Bean Council (USDBC) Worldwide Reverse Trade Mission. The week-long tour, held from September 13–20, allowed visitors to learn about the Nebraska dry bean industry, from production to processing.
The tour, which stopped in both Nebraska and Colorado, focused on connecting global buyers with U.S. exporters, processors, and educators. “The annual event educates them (buyers) on the production process and harvest process and, more importantly, connects them with exporters to build and strengthen relationships,” said Danny Raulerson, executive director of the U.S. Dry Bean Council.
While last year’s trade mission took place in North Dakota, this year’s visit showcased Nebraska’s unique bean harvesting method known as windrowing, where bean plants are cut and placed in rows for easier collection. Despite rain preventing field visits, participants explored local facilities and met with researchers to understand the production system.
One visitor, representing a major food company in the Philippines, shared that they use U.S. beans such as Great Northerns and dark red kidneys in food products like soups and chili. Buyers from France also expressed interest in expanding partnerships, noting the growing popularity of beans as a sustainable, affordable protein source for the global market.
Participants also met with Dr. Carlos Urrea, a dry bean breeder at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, who presented his breeding program aimed at developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and water-efficient varieties.
“The main objectives are to develop high-yielding varieties with multiple disease resistances, an upright plant architecture, earliness harvest, being able to grow under low water soil conditions, seed quality,” Urrea said.
Industry representatives emphasized that U.S. dry beans continue to be valued for their nutritional quality, sustainability, and reliability. “We must do a better job telling the story. So, when I think about beans, I consider sustainability, digestibility, availability, affordability, and profitability as well,” said Robert Loggins, director of external affairs at Bush Brothers and Company.
Through this mission, Nebraska showcased its innovation, commitment, and role in meeting global demand for high-quality dry beans while strengthening long-term international relationships.
Photo Credit:corn-and-soy-vecteezy-bergamont
Categories: Nebraska, Business, Crops, Harvesting