North Central

The New Growers’ Guide to Producing Organic Food-Grade Grains in The Upper Midwest

This guide is intended for farmers interested in adding food-grade grains to their rotations, whether they are new to farming, or interested in incorporating these grains into an existing commodity grain, diversified vegetable, or livestock operation.

Cultivating Morel Mushrooms

One of the more iconic and recognizable mushrooms, morels are famed for their distinctive appearance and their exquisite taste. This fungus is characterized by its unique 'pitted and ridged' cap, as well as its earthy and nutty flavor. Morels have been recorded on all continents except Antarctica, thus with its widespread nature it comes to […]

The Financial Implications of Conservation Agriculture: Insights from Analyses of Farms in the Upper Midwest

Farmers and ranchers are increasingly interested in conservation practices to strengthen soil health and improve water quality for present and future generations. Conservation practices can also help farmers improve their profitability in the face of increasingly volatile weather and uncertain market conditions. Some farmers and ranchers hesitate to adopt these practices because of perceived financial […]

Anishinaabe nandagikenjigewin miinawaa Eshandizoyang: An Experiential Introduction to Anishinaabe Science and Food Sovereignty

This experiential curriculum format was designed by Aamookwe Amy McCoy and grounded in Anishinaabe scientific epistemology and ontology with accompanying demonstrations of curricula for experiential learning through relationships connected to food sovereignty.

Midwestern Hemp Database

As a “new” crop to the North Central region, best management practices and performance of high cannabinoid industrial hemp (Cannabis spp.) varieties are still being investigated. Despite tremendous interest across the region, the lack of university-published resources greatly increases the risk of hemp production relative to conventional crops and threatens to undermine the nascent hemp industry.    […]

Blooms for Mason Bees

With support from SARE, the Osmia Bee Company in Ohio is designing a seed mix to support springtime pollinators — particularly mason bees. They developed a guide with the intention that the information could be used as a starting point and adapted for other field trials. This project leverages the rich collaborative network maintained by […]

Youth Grow Indy Guide

The Soul Food Project has developed a new guide for farmers who want to host a workforce development program for youth. Topics covered in the guide include the benefits of youth employment programs, legal considerations, recruitment strategies, program management, and more. Soul Food Project and Farm has been operating since 2017 on the Northeast side […]

Pollinator-Friendly Cover Cropping for Vegetable Producers in the Upper Midwest

Growers are increasingly interested in adding cover crops to rotations to improve soil health, break disease cycles, and provide ecosystem services. In addition to these benefits, cover crops present an opportunity to add crucial floral resources and habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects on the farm. However, identifying appropriate cover crop species and management […]

Farming Matters Video Series

In 2022, NCR-SARE launched a storytelling video series, “Farming Matters,” featuring SARE grantees. Join NCR-SARE staff members Erin Schneider and Marie Flanagan as they learn more about what inspires and motivates farmers, researchers, and educators. You’ll leave each video with a better understanding of the innovative ways SARE grantees approach challenges. With this story-sharing series, as […]

"The Art of Climate Dialogue" Podcast Series

"The Art of Climate Dialogue" podcast series features thirteen conversations with farmers, artists, community-engaged researchers, and community organizers and activists who have used arts and storytelling strategies to discuss climate change and agriculture in Iowa. Through this podcast, interviewees share these strategies so that listeners can implement them in their own communities.  "Research shows that […]

Guide to Building a Meat Processing Facility

This guide will aid producers in the upper Midwest as they navigate the requirements of establishing and operating small meat processing facilities.

Lessons to Go for Youth by KC Farm School

KC Farm School's ‘Lessons To Go’ bring sustainable agriculture education and food sovereignty practices to local youth aged 4-18.

Exploring Hydroponics with Youth

With support from an NCR-SARE Youth Educator grant, University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist Donna Aufdenberg developed resources to teach sustainable approaches to hydroponic growing methods.

Manure Composting Video Series

Composting manures is becoming an increasingly popular option for farmers.

CSA Starts Here: Video Series

"CSA Starts Here" is an educational video series for aspiring and beginning CSA farmers.

Finding Success with Yellow Perch in an Aquaculture System

This document includes a summary of the aquaculture research projects that Bill West has participated in, as well as updates for each of those projects, written by West himself.

Livestock Management with Drones Video Series

With support from SARE, Pigeon River Farm developed a video series and additional resources sharing tips and tricks for how they use drones in their day-to-day livestock management.

Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times

Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times is a free workshop kit that teaches folks how to recognize and respond to a farmer that might need help.

Pasture Productivity Pail

The Pasture Productivity Pail is a set of tools that can be used to use to make informed decisions on pasture management and improvement.