Red Kidney Bean production in Kansas

View the project final report

Commodities

• Agronomic: dry beans - dark red kidney beans

Practices

• Crop Production: crop improvement and selection

I would like to grow more dry beans for local wholesale and retail markets.

Based on ten years' worth of my own crop trials, I believe that I've found a system for growing organic dry beans that increases yield, reduces tillage and labor, conserves water, and adequately deals with weed pressure. With funding, I would like to trial this system on a larger scale in 2020. I am requesting funding to cover the cost of seed.

The immediate goal of this research project is to continue developing a system for growing dry beans on small acreage using organic methods, inexpensive machinery, and a minimum of physical labor. The larger goals are to increase the profitability of small-scale organic farms, encourage diversity of production in Kansas and abroad, improve regional food security by growing more food grade staple crops for local markets, and present an alternative crop to market farmers, small landowners, and retiring farmers. By growing profitable yields of an alternative crop using organic methods and minimal labor, this project might also encourage some conventional growers to consider converting to organic farming methods.

1. Replicate my 2019 trial of red kidney bean production on a larger scale.
2. Plant an increased population (130,000 plants/acre) in narrow rows (15" and 7.5"), using grain drill to achieve closer row spacing.
3. Harvest with our Allis Chalmers All-Crop combine
4. Publicize through social media, our annual farm tour, and submit writeup to Farm Show Magazine
All work would be completed in the 2020 calendar year.