In Adair County, small farmers are looking for ways to increase on-farm income with minimal inputs of land and machinery.  Annual horticultural crops can often provide such an opportunity to farmers.  In 2020, a demonstration plot was conducted growing green beans using no-till practices.  To plant the beans, a sweet corn planter owned by the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service was utilized.  A variety was selected based on trials conducted by the University of Kentucky in 2017 that exhibited a heavy early set and excelled in taste.

Records on management strategies, costs, and production was recorded during the growing season.   The data was then summarized and presented at a grower meeting in the fall of 2020.  Both the pros and cons of growing green beans using no-till practices were discussed.  The program was offered to a limited live audience and virtually via recording.  Twelve growers participated in the program either in person or virtually.  

As a result of these efforts, 4 growers planted a total of 0.53 acres of green beans using no-till practice with an estimated value of $6,932 and total variable costs of $695.   Two other growers decided to plant the variety recommended during the program using conventional growing practices.   One of the growers was a 16 year old who saving the money she makes for her first car while another grower is using the crop to be able to reduce hours working overtime at his public job.