North Central

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.

Edible Landscaping with Matthew Lebon

NCAT Horticulture Specialist Guy Ames talks with Matthew Lebon about edible landscaping or the practice of integrating edible plants into ornamental landscaping

Midwestern Hemp Database

The Midwestern Hemp Database (MHD) is an interactive tool that houses all of the research done by the Midwestern Hemp Research Collaborative (MHRC)

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 […]

An Outreach Toolkit for Conservation 

A new toolkit is available for conservation professionals to use in planning and executing conservation outreach from the National Wildlife Federation.

New Podcast Series Explores “The Art of Climate Dialogue” 

A new podcast series out of Iowa features conversations with farmers, artists, researchers, and activists discussing climate and agriculture in Iowa. 

The Oneida Nation Community Composting Project

The Oneida Community Integrated Food System program has been working to develop a community composting education project to improve the soil at Oneida Nation’s Tsyunhehkwa farm and community plots and gardens.

The Commercial Potential of Mulberries in the Midwest

Weston Lombard has successfully incorporated mulberries into the agroforestry system on his farm, where harvested leaves and dropped fruit provide excellent forage for chickens and hogs.

From the Earth: Advancing Food Sovereignty with the Stockbridge-Munsee Community

With their From the Earth project, Tribal growers and educators with the Stockbridge-Munsee Community are increasing access to traditional foods using sustainable growing methods.

Goats Adapt to Virtual Fencing

Allysse Sorensen has been experimenting with virtual fencing for targeted grazing with goats.

Generating Income from Pollinator Habitat on an Urban Farm

Mark Brannen of Benson Bounty in Omaha, Neb., used a SARE Farmer Rancher grant to establish native plant habitat on his 0.75-acre urban farm and assess what revenue stream he could get by selling cut flowers.

Attracting Beneficial Insects to Urban Farms

Always seeking ways to improve the sustainability of their farm, EarthDance Farm in Ferguson, Missouri used a SARE Farmer Rancher grant to incorporate both permaculture and IPM practices.

Bringing Healthy Options to Food Deserts

Partnering with two other farms, Legacy Taste of the Garden Operations Director John Jamerson used a SARE Farmer Rancher grant on a multi-faceted project to increase the availability of whole foods in food deserts in Princeton, Evansville, and Indianapolis.

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

NCR-SARE staff members discuss inspirations and motivations of farmers, researchers, and educators in our "Farming Matters" YouTube video podcast. Each episode provides insights into the innovative approaches SARE grantees take to address challenges. With this story-sharing series, as with all our outreach efforts, NCR-SARE is working to broaden the narrative about farmers and their communities […]

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.