In 2020, the Adair County Agriculture Advisory council identified trucking costs of grain crops as a major concern of the long-term sustainability of grain crop production in Adair County.  In 2020, grain farmers estimated trucking corns of corn to exceed $100 per acre.  In 2023, trucking costs rose to $160 per acre. 

In response, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service began collaborating with the local Economic Development Authority to identify strategies to recruit industries that could utilize locally grown corn.  In 2023, a new distillery indicated they had interest in locating a distillery in Adair County.

The Agriculture & Natural Resources agent met with the Economically Development Authority and investors on multiple occasions educating both entities on the nature of grain crop production in Adair County as well as how the Adair County cattle industry was positioned to utilize by-products from a distillery.  An educational program was also held with local grain producers to educate growers about marketing corn to distilleries.

In December of 2023, Penny Royal Barrell Company announced a $25 million dollar investment locating a distillery in Adair County.   Adair County corn growers are expected to be able to market corn to the distillery in 2025.