There are currently at least three aphid transmitted virus diseases that adversely affect processing beans in the Midwest. Beginning in 2000, when virus related symptoms began to appear in Wisconsin at epidemic proportions, we’ve seen varying levels of mosaic, plant stunting, distorted and discolored pods, blossom abortion and reduced yields depending on environmental conditions and aphid pressure present in each subsequent year. In Wisconsin, the majority of virus damage has been concentrated in southern and eastern areas along Lake Michigan, although there have also been localized pockets in other areas of the state where symptoms were severe in some years. In addition to the Wisconsin and Minnesota production areas, there have also been periodic reports of damage to processing beans in Michigan, New York and Ontario. The arrival of the soybean aphid in the upper Midwest in 2000 and subsequent fluctuations in aphid numbers from year to year appear to be correlated with virus damage on processing beans. All of the viruses currently identified from symptomatic processing bean plants (cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and clover yellow vein virus (CYVV)) are all transmitted by aphids in a non-persistent manner. Thus in years when outbreaks of the soybean aphid are predicted, additional precautions are taken that include control of the aphid on soybeans, adjustments in planting schedules and changes in areas designated for early and late season production. While these efforts have undoubtedly helped to reduce losses, there is still a strong sense that we need better management tools for reducing the risk of virus infection in processing bean production.