North Central

Reducing Food Waste and Enhancing Specialty Crop Farm Viability in Minnesota

The Good Acre is tackling food waste with farmer support, buyer education, and a 'seconds' market—boosting food access and helping small produce farms thrive.

Milk Waste Reduction Strategies in Childcare Centers in Illinois

Over 66% of U.S. preschoolers attend childcare daily, but up to 40% of milk served is wasted. A new study in Illinois childcare centers aims to reduce this waste through the CACFP program.

Good Food Belongs to the People of Southwest Ohio

Last Mile in Ohio rescues fresh food to fight waste and feed those in need, aiming to save 6 million pounds annually while raising regional awareness on food waste prevention.

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.

NCR-SARE's 2024 Professional Development Awards

For the 2024 Professional Development Program, NCR-SARE awarded more than $1.29 million to 11 projects.

Producer Partnerships Demonstrate the Benefits of Integrated Systems: Increased Profits and Soil Health

A recent North Central SARE Research and Education grant in Kansas demonstrated how integrating crops, livestock and cover crops could help some producers offset revenue loss and failing crops.

NCR-SARE's 2024 Graduate Student Grants

Twenty-two projects were awarded more than $414,000 through this NCR-SARE grant program which funds graduate student projects that address sustainable agriculture issues.

Apply for a 2025 Farmer Rancher Grant

Proposals are due by 4pm Central Time on December 5, 2024.

Apply for a 2025 Youth Educator Grant

Proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

NCR-SARE's 2024 Farmer Rancher Grants

More than $784,000 was awarded to 43 projects for this competitive grant program for farmers and ranchers.

PRAIRIE Inspires Youth with Multicultural Food Pathway Program

In the heart of Minnesota's vibrant Red River Valley, the nonprofit organization PRAIRIE is leading the charge in nurturing the next generation of small-scale farmers. Verna Kragnes and Rick Hall founded PRAIRIE, short for Prairie Rose Agricultural Institute for Research, Innovation & Education, which has become a beacon of opportunity for aspiring farmers. Offering a […]

NCR-SARE's 2024 Youth Educator Grants

NCR-SARE awarded more than $210,000 to 19 projects for the 2024 Youth Educator Grant Program.

Joan Benjamin Announces Retirement

Joan Benjamin has announced her retirement.

Shedding Light on Ranchers’ Views of Grassland Conservation Payments in Nebraska

University of Nebraska doctoral candidate Kyle Martens found many ranchers are willing to use grazing practices that promote biodiversity.

Bringing Nutritious Options to Food Deserts in Indiana

Legacy Taste of the Garden is a farm outside of Lyle's Station, Indiana that provides education and outreach to BIPOC producers across Indiana.

NCR-SARE Welcomes New Associate Director

NCR-SARE is pleased to announce Betsy Wieland's appointment as the new Associate Director.

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.

NCR-SARE Welcomes New Coordinator for Farmer Rancher and Youth Educator Programs

NCR-SARE is pleased to announce Liz Brownlee's appointment as the new Coordinator for the Farmer Rancher and Youth Educator Programs.

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 […]