The Chairman of Poortman officially retired at the end of October.

More beans were seeded this year than last, but adverse weather impacted yields and grain size.

Strong prices saw more hectares seeded to beans this year, but a dry spell quashed all hopes of repeating last year’s high yields.

High corn prices and adverse weather have kept Brazil from expanding its bean area.

The dry bean area is up on lower prices for major commodity crops, but the crop was planted late and frost is a major concern.