Despite the increase in spring bean planting over the past two weeks, many merchants still report that the area of this year’s spring bean crop is expected to be down. This is steaming from a lower than expected demand for seed from growers.

Last autumn, we saw a large swing to winter cereals which is contributing to the lower demand for bean seed this year.

Furthermore, with the increased planting of fodder crops last year, many rotations may not permit the planting of break crops such as beans.

Finally, spring beans left a bitter taste in many growers' mouths after the disastrous harvest last year.

With 2019 harvest prices similar to that of 2018 and with the protein aid confirmed for 2019, growers are urged to take another look at spring beans, especially in light of current cereal harvest price expectations

Bean debate

We talked to three of our tramline growers, each of whom have different views on the crop. Listen to the podcast below as we talk to tramline farmers Rob Coleman, Co Cork, Paul O’Connell, Co Laois, and Simon Best, Co Down, about their planting decisions this spring.

Listen to "The spring bean debate – to grow or not to grow." on Spreaker.

Why growing beans this spring still makes sense

Listen: the spring bean debate – to grow or not to grow?

Stephen Robb talks to three tramline growers who each have different views on growing spring beans.