NCR-SARE has announced a leadership transition within its Professional Development Program (PDP). In summer 2026, Rob Myers will step down as the regional PDP Coordinator after more than 15 years of service. He will be succeeded by Andy Larson, NCR-SARE’s current Associate PDP Coordinator, whose appointment was officially approved by the NCR-SARE Administrative Council in May 2026.
A Legacy of Service: Rob Myers
During his 15½-year tenure as NCR-SARE's Professional Development Program director, Myers has fostered sustainable agriculture education and the adoption of cover crops across the North Central region. Myers has led or served with several national councils and task forces addressing federal conservation programs, cover crops, and agriculture research and education programs, including serving as the USDA-SARE National Liaison for Cover Crops and Soil Health. He also worked with SARE in the mid-1990s as a national program leader for sustainable agriculture with the USDA.
While he is stepping down from his part-time role with NCR-SARE, Myers is not retiring; instead, he will transition to a full-time leadership role at the University of Missouri's Center for Regenerative Agriculture. Under Myers' guidance, the Center has expanded to manage $50 million in projects with a dedicated team of 22 staff members and contractors.
"It has been a true pleasure for me to work with the NCR-SARE program, and I have greatly enjoyed working with other SARE staff, council members, and grantees," said Myers. "However, the Center for Regenerative Agriculture has grown significantly and now needs my full-time attention. I also believe it's the right time for a fresh perspective with the NCR-SARE PDP program and believe Andy Larson will provide great leadership for the program going forward."
New Leadership: Andy Larson
Andy Larson brings a wealth of expertise to his new role as NCR-SARE's regional PDP Coordinator. With a dual background as NCR-SARE's Associate PDP Coordinator and the Farm Program Manager at the Food Finance Institute, he is uniquely positioned to advocate for regional producers. Larson's leadership is rooted in years of service to NCR-SARE, including previous roles as a SARE State Coordinator for Illinois and Iowa and as an Administrative Council Member.
Larson will take on the PDP Coordinator responsibilities full-time in June 2026, ensuring continued momentum and expanded outreach for sustainable agriculture training.
"I'm both honored and extremely grateful to continue to serve SARE and to build on the strong foundation Rob Myers built during his years of thoughtful leadership," said Larson. "The opportunity to work alongside an exceptional team and a regional network of superb state coordinators is what makes this so exciting. Their creativity, dedication, and care for farmers and educators inspire me, and I look forward to what we'll accomplish together.”
Looking Forward
The NCR-SARE Administrative Council is confident in Larson's ability to lead the Professional Development Program into its next chapter. The transition is expected to be seamless, given Larson's existing relationships with state coordinators and regional stakeholders.
"Rob Myers’ contributions have been foundational to our success," noted Pete Huff, Regional Director for NCR-SARE. "We are thrilled to elevate Andy Larson to this role. His experience at every level of the SARE program makes him the ideal leader to build upon this legacy."
The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) program is one of four regional offices that run the SARE program, a nationwide grants and education program to advance sustainable innovation to American agriculture. NCR-SARE offers competitive grants and educational opportunities for researchers, farmers, ranchers, and educators.