Beautiful beans from farm to plate: Episode 108

Food Bullying Podcast

"The work ethic and pride most farmers have in what we do everyday is second to none. Family farms take care of the environment and land we use to make sure it is better for the next generations" points out a Michigan farmer responsible for the beans in your can.

Black beans, navy beans, bean soup, amino acids in beans, bean recipes...Greg Ackerman is a farmer who is glad to talk beans. Ackerman & son farms is a multi generational family farm focusing on producing high quality specialty crops, including dry edible beans. He especially enjoys growing navy beans.

Greg says that edible dry beans have the lowest carbon footprint of any product on his farm. He discusses soil quality, preparing a seed bed that allows for environmental efficiency, monitoring for insects to protect their crops, and more.

"The food we produce is the safest food that has ever been available in the supply chain. It’s the same food we feed our own families. That is a big responsibility that we not only accept but take pride in. The food safety standards in place today should help alleviate any misconceptions consumers may have," says Greg.

He shares details of site specific farming and how farmers use the tool to select what is needed for each type of soil. For example, they don't apply fertilizer where the soil can't hold it - and only put it on where the soil needs it.

Food cost is inflated today for many reasons. Greg, a member of the U.S. Dry Beans Council, points to the need to defend modern agricultural practices, food safety documentation and inspections, transportation and handling by processors.

Greg points to dry beans as the all around super food. High in fiber and protein, excellent for gut health and has an amino acid that has been proven to fight cancer cells.

Learn more at cannedbeans.org.