Garbanzos and more

North Idaho harvests are as adventurous as they are scenic. Let's learn about some of the challenges raising big beans can face and how Kyle Meacham takes them head on. I’m Kyle Meacham, I'm from Nez Perce, Idaho. I started raising garbanzo beans since 2007 when I started farming out here, which will either go into the hummus market or just a protein base depending on quality. We farm in Clearwater County, as well as Lewis between Nez Perce and Craigmont. We raise wheat, barley, bluegrass, canola, lentils, as well as garbanzo beans. This year. These are Sierra. They're a large bean I'm raising for Ardent Mills out of Pullman. These got seeded kind of late, which is part of their problem. And this year it was hot and dry during bloom, which I think stunted them some. The garbs stay green long after wheat or barley is dried down. It's the only thing left because they are later the garbs get more wildlife pressure. There's been many elk harvested out of the garb fields, which helps, but and it helps deter them. But they come and go as they please. I've been raising Sierras. I've tried a few other varieties, but 90% of the acreage that I've ever raised has always been Sierra. Went to college for a year and been on the farm ever since. Speaker1: And made a great choice. What a beautiful lifestyle.