Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Dry Beans

Estimated Cost $400 per acre

Market Outlets Wholesale, retail

Market Potential Variable, generally poor

Yield Potential 1000- 2000 lbs/acre

Profit Potential $0 to $400 per acre

Adapted Areas Rolling and High Plains, cool summer nights, limited production potential in other areas.

Labor Requirements Low

Equipment Requirements Tractor, shredder, disk, bedder, planter, cultivator, harvest by contract combine

Soil Requirements Most well-drained soils

Water Requirements 12 to 18 inches during crop season

Minimum Size 40 acres or more

Risk Factor Low

Other Limiting Factors Profitable price, insects and disease. Always purchase seed certified as "disease free'' to avoid seed-borne diseases such as halo blight and anthracnose; buyer resistance.

Additional Information

Comments Pinto beans can be harvested early and marketed as "green beans" in some areas of Texas. Good rotation crop.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	$400 per acre
Market Outlets	Wholesale, retail
Market Potential	Variable, generally poor
Yield Potential	1000- 2000 lbs/acre
Profit Potential	$0 to $400 per acre
Adapted Areas	Rolling and High Plains, cool summer nights, limited production potential in other areas.
Labor Requirements	Low
Equipment Requirements	Tractor, shredder, disk, bedder, planter, cultivator, harvest by contract combine
Soil Requirements	Most well-drained soils
Water Requirements	12 to 18 inches during crop season
Minimum Size	40 acres or more
Risk Factor	Low
Other Limiting Factors	Profitable price, insects and disease. Always purchase seed certified as "disease free'' to avoid seed-borne diseases such as halo blight and anthracnose; buyer resistance.
Additional Information
Comments	Pinto beans can be harvested early and marketed as "green beans" in some areas of Texas. Good rotation crop.