Looking for Bulk Black Turtle and Kidney Bean Seed Sources

AppStaple's picture

Does anyone know a good source for seed (in large quantites) for Kidney and Black Turtle Beans?

 

Michelle & Brandon

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beans

AppStaple's picture

Richard-

I think you can get a better price from Eden Foods. Brandon knows the details about how to get set up to buy from them, or I bet it's on their website. We grew a few acres from those beans last season. We'd like very much to talk about what you are growing and connect.

Michelle

Beans, Corn, Grains, Oh My!

RStewart's picture

Sounds good to me.  Brandon has already called me about corn.  The variety I grew this year was not an organic source and I am running into the same problems you are in terms of loss.  I knew this was going to happen but I was hoping it was going to be less loss.  Total production was right around 35 bu of non-GMO zero spray corn, of which I lost half.  12 bushels though is a lot when you are processing your own corn meal (which I am doing, painstakingly by hand currently till I know I have a good market...which I do).  I am currently selling to local restaurants and at a single winter farmers' market.  Everyone is asking for flour now.

I will not be planting any wheat till this fall.

Right now I am planning on a increase plot and better cultivation and hope to get several tons of non-GMO zero spray corn.

I finally found all the processing gear in terms of sources and a gem of a place in Illinois that rebuilds cleaners.  http://www.commoditytraders.biz/index.html  They also have a two different collapsable and stackable metal tote systems they are cleaned up and refurbed.

The tough thing was a sifter but I have seen the Meadows sifter and I think that will fit bill.  In terms of growing, this year, besides produce and honey, I am doing my first bulk crop of potatoes, a single cultivar of dry beans, and more corn.

I will be planting the beans on rows the same size as my corn, all mechanically, on 30" rows with a six row planter.  I plan to harvest prior to our soybean harvest with a small combine with further cleaning done by a Clipper M2B.  All if it is being cultivated with a 4 row tool bar with spades.  It is my goal to save my own seed source and sell the rest to a local market and then look at a possible seed market later on down the line once I know I can store them well enough for use as seed the following season (sotring during winter is easy, its storing during spring prior to planting that can be a bit rough if you do not have the proper set-up).

I have also found a possible source of food grade grain storage hoppers that are rolled steel and painted with a food grade paint AND a air system to move it.  Augers, which are OK for feed are now compeltely out of the question for food once it gets out of the field.  THey are a big source of contamination.

As to the bean source, how does Eden dry down their beans?  Once you get them out fo the field, in bulk, beans are really tough to dry downso often times they are picked at storage moisture content (more splits and damage but less energy spent dropping moisture).  Just curious.  Can you order bulk through them and will they still germinate?  That's my big question.  I'd rather spend a little more and get a good field seed as opposed to something in one pound bags for consumption.  Have you had experience growing their beans?

At some point I would love to come out and see your mill.  I wanted to make it out to the conference and ever since OEFFA I've been trying to find more information about your operation.  Is there a blog or journal or interviews maybe some photos lying around somwhere that I missed?

I hope you have a great season!

 

 

Eden Beans are Hybrid. Forget it.

AppStaple's picture

Hi Richard,

I finally tracked down Eden Foods black turtle variety, and although it germinates well, it is a hybrid.

Do you have a good seed source suggestion?

I am curious about the rolled steel food grade storage bins. Can you tell me where to look for those, or is there a limited quantity?

Keep up the good work!

Brandon