North Central

Resources and Case Studies for Implementing Prairie Strips Across the Midwest

Compared to other Conservation Reserve Program practices, prairie strips (CP43) offer many advantages. Prairie strips can be placed both within fields and along their edges. Planting 10% of fields to prairie strips can reduce sediment and nutrient loss. The practice is flexible, with the option of driving on strips when needed for farm operations. And […]

Student Cooperative Start-Up Toolkit

This practical, digital toolkit was created by Ohio State University for educators and community members who are interested in building a student-led cooperative approach to an agricultural enterprise. The toolkit includes learning activities about agricultural cooperatives, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural marketing, as well as strategies and tools for developing a student-led cooperative model, an agribusiness […]

Getting Started in Agritourism Checklist

This checklist guides agritourism business owners through best management practices when hosting on-farm visitors. It was developed by Iowa State University. It includes sections on legal considerations, food regulations, visitor accommodations, farm emergency preparedness, biosecurity, pesticide safety, public play area safety, employee management and marketing practices.

Rotational Grazing with Cover Crops Case Studies

Since rotational grazing of cover crops is not a common practice, to address some of the current questions from farmers in the upper Midwest, the Sand County Foundation of Wisconsin partnered with the Sauk Soil and Water Improvement Group and the University of Wisconsin-Madison to explore short-term agronomic and environmental costs and benefits of managed […]

Kernza Disease Guide Cards

As a perennial grain crop, intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium, marketed under the trade name Kernza in reference to the grain) offers an economic opportunity to growers who are interested in improving the environmental condition of their farmland. Despite this opportunity, there is a possibility that perennial crops can harbor pathogen populations that increase over time. Although […]

Strawberry Chat Podcast

Strawberry Chat is a virtual discussion about strawberry production at small and diversified farms in Indiana and neighboring states. The hosts, Wenjing Guan and Miranda Purcell of Purdue University, invite guests to discuss activities that happen at the time of the year and cover different production systems. URL: https://anchor.fm/strawberrychat

Strawberries: Season Extension

This University of Minnesota publication shares the experiences of two farmer who tried growing day neutral strawberries in high tunnels using a table top system. It shares their experiences in the areas of production, yield and marketing, with a budget analysis. The farmers are Todd and Tracy Linbo, of Double T Acres, and Aaron Wills, […]

Diagnostic Tools for Honey Bee Diseases

Diagnostic Tools for Honey Bee Diseases is an interactive website designed to train beekeepers and veterinarians in honey bee medicine. It includes photos of honey bee diseases and clear instructions for known diagnostic methods for honey bee disease. Lessons include step by step instructions, common mistakes and even fun games to solidify learning objectives. This […]

Organic Field Crop Production Videos

The following videos walk farmers through sustainable concepts and practices for organic weed control, including crop rotations and cultivation techniques. The videos highlight farmer perspectives on these topics and are part of a larger organic field crops course, available at https://courses.organicagronomy.org. Designing a Crop Rotation The concept of crop rotation is not new to organic […]

Forest Farming in Missouri An Overview of the Production of Non-Timber Forest Products

"Forest Farming in Missouri" is comprehensive guide to forest farming written to support landowners, producers, and professionals interested in this practice

Tarping for Weed Control Guide: A Low-Till Strategy for Vegetable Growers

This guide outlines methods of tarping use for weed management and provides information on tarp implementation and installation.

South Dakota Innovators Build Affordable DIY Roller-Crimper

Ryan Schmid with the Ecdysis Foundation worked with farmers in South Dakota on a do-it-yourself guide and videos for repurposing a disc into a low-cost roller-crimper.

Innovative Sliding Electric Fence System for Pastured Poultry

With 3,000+ pasture-raised laying hens, Michael Gutschenritter from Three Brothers Farm in Wisconsin needed a solution that saved time and energy. Enter the HenPen, a sliding fence system with an integrated feeder that gets the job done faster with less physical strain.

Beekeeping in Northern Climates Manual and Workbook

The "Beekeeping in Northern Climates" Manual and Workbook are companion resources created by the University of Minnesota's Bee Lab to help beekeepers understand and apply region-specific best practices. Beekeeping in Northern Climates Manual The third edition of "Beekeeping in Northern Climates Manual" is a guide from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab for both new and experienced […]

Agricultural Justice Project Toolkit

The Agricultural Justice Project (AJP) Toolkit provides comprehensive guidance and resources for building fair and accountable businesses and workplaces that support workers, small-scale farmers, and communities.

Video Series Highlights How Different Field Practices Impact Moisture and Temperature

Researchers at Ohio State University conducted a multi-year study using soil moisture and temperature sensors to compare the effects of conventional tillage, no-till, and no-till with cover crops on field conditions.

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.

Livestock Waterers and Watering Systems

This handbook assists in the design of a watering system that fits your budget, site, and livestock needs.