Wisconsin – The Green Bean Capital of America

Green beans also known as string beans or snap beans, are a delicious and nutritious vegetable grown and consumed throughout the United States. But when it comes to producing the most green beans one state rises above the rest – Wisconsin.

Wisconsin has staked its claim as the number one producer of green beans in the country. The state’s climate soil conditions, and long history of vegetable farming have allowed it to dominate green bean production for decades. Here’s a closer look at how and why Wisconsin grew to become the green bean capital of America.

A Little History

Green beans have been grown in Wisconsin since the late 1800s. In the early 20th century, canned and frozen vegetable processing emerged as an important industry in the state. Canneries set up operations across Wisconsin to take advantage of the abundant vegetable crops being grown, including green beans.

By the 1950s, Wisconsin had become the leader in canned green bean production. The rich soil, moderate summer temperatures, and plentiful water allowed farmers to grow bumper crops of crisp, flavorful beans perfectly suited for canning. Processing companies like Birds Eye, Libby’s, and Gilster Mary Lee bought up much of each season’s harvest for their canning operations.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Wisconsin offers the ideal climate and soil conditions for growing green beans on a massive commercial scale. The state has hot, humid summers with daytime highs in the 70s and 80s – perfect green bean weather. Cool nights drop temperatures into the 50s, helping lock in flavor and crisp texture.

The state also benefits from excellent soil quality. Much of Wisconsin sits on top of sediment left behind by glaciers that covered the region over 10,000 years ago. This glacial till left incredibly fertile soil deep in organic matter – the perfect foundation for growing vegetables.

Abundant rainfall and plentiful groundwater allow growers to irrigate their crops as needed through the growing season. Wisconsin’s landscape contains central sands overlaying clay that holds moisture and provides a steady supply of groundwater. Irrigation ensures healthy plants and maximum yields.

Leading the Way in Acres Planted

Wisconsin dominates green bean production by dedicating more acres to growing the vegetable than any other state. In 2022, Wisconsin farmers harvested 51,900 acres of green beans, accounting for 48% of the country’s total green bean acreage.

The next leading states were Oregon with 8,200 acres and New York with 7,100 acres planted. No other state came close to Wisconsin’s extensive green bean acreage.

Large companies contract with hundreds of Wisconsin vegetable farmers to grow beans that will be canned or frozen. The contractors provide the seed, field management advice, and harvesting equipment in exchange for the exclusive right to purchase each grower’s production. This allows each company to source massive quantities of uniformly high-quality green beans.

Huge Production Numbers

With all those acres dedicated to green bean production, it’s no surprise that Wisconsin generates huge volumes of the vegetable each year. In 2022, Wisconsin produced 6.75 million cwt (hundredweight) of green beans, which equates to around 337,500 tons.

To put Wisconsin’s dominance in perspective, total U.S. production of snap beans in 2022 was 800,000 tons. So Wisconsin single-handedly grew over 40% of all the green beans produced domestically. The state outproduces competitors by a wide margin, with Oregon generating the second highest production at 180,000 tons annually.

Wisconsin’s massive green bean harvest has an annual value approaching $100 million. Beyond the economic impact, all those beans generate jobs at processing plants and support hundreds of family farms across the state.

America’s Canned Green Bean Source

Most of Wisconsin’s mammoth green bean harvest doesn’t go directly to supermarkets and kitchens. The majority is destined for canned and frozen vegetable processing plants located around the state.

Libby’s, Del Monte, Hanover, and Seneca Foods all operate canning facilities in Wisconsin to process the bumper crops of green beans as well as other vegetables grown in the state like sweet corn, peas, and carrots. Libby’s alone cans over 350,000 tons of vegetables annually at its plant in Markesan.

Canned and frozen green beans from Wisconsin processors find their way to grocery store shelves and kitchen pantries across America. So there’s a very good chance the canned green beans in your local supermarket were grown and processed in Wisconsin.

Supporting Wisconsin’s Economy

Wisconsin’s thriving green bean industry provides jobs and economic benefits across the state. Agriculture as a whole contributes $104.8 billion per year to Wisconsin’s economy and supports 442,100 jobs. Green bean production accounts for a substantial part of agriculture’s overall economic impact.

In addition to the actual growing, harvesting, and processing of green beans, the industry supports equipment manufacturers, packaging companies, food scientists, breeders developing new varieties, and other ancillary businesses. The infrastructure to support Wisconsin’s mega green bean industry is a significant economic engine.

Wisconsin’s concentration of vegatable expertise also led companies from around the world to locate research and processing facilities in the state to take advantage of the skilled workforce. The green bean industry helped establish Wisconsin as a global leader in vegetable production and innovation.

Challenges Facing the Industry

Despite its current dominance in green bean production, Wisconsin faces challenges in maintaining its leading role in the future. Groundwater depletion in central Wisconsin threatens the irrigation that underpins such massive production volumes. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events also endanger yields and quality.

Labor shortages are a perennial issue as finding enough seasonal field workers to plant, maintain, and harvest huge acreages remains difficult. Rising minimum wages make the economics of labor-intensive vegetable production less attractive. Competition from other states and countries puts pressure on costs as well.

For now at least, Wisconsin remains the green bean king. But the state will need to continue innovating in areas like sustainable water use, climate-resilient varieties, automation, and more efficient production techniques to maintain its supremacy in the years ahead. As long as demand for green beans stays strong, Wisconsin seems likely to hold onto its crown.

Green Bean Fun Facts

• Early European settlers in America grew “string beans” which had tough strings needing removal before eating. Modern green beans are “snap beans” bred to be stringless.

• Green beans belong to the same family as peas and lentils. Botanically fruits, they are generally prepared and served as vegetables.

• Only about 10% of green bean production goes to the fresh market. Around 90% is processed for canning, freezing, or other preservation.

• Leading fresh market green bean varieties include Polestar, Labrador, and Strike. Common processed types are Eagle, Carson, and Bronco.

• Green beans provide vitamin C, K, folate, manganese, and fiber. They contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• The world record for the longest green bean was 65 feet 1 inch, grown by Al McCreary of Niagara Falls in 2005.

• National Green Bean Casserole Day is celebrated annually on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as the classic dish’s popularity took off in the 1950s.

So the next time you enjoy a serving of green beans, you can thank Wisconsin for producing the vegetables that stock shelves and power family meals across America! The state’s sprawling green bean acres feed the nation’s appetite for this healthy, versatile food.