From the Field Profiles

Heirloom Corn Brings Flavor and Potential to Craft Distilling in Illinois

In Illinois, farmers and researchers investigated the potential of growing heirloom corn varieties specifically for use in craft spirits production.

Bringing Burgundy Truffles to Indiana

Mimi and Evan Kokosaka are developing Indiana's first large-scale truffle orchard, cultivating Burgundy truffles with oak seedlings.

Cedar Valley Innovation Advances Cover Crop Practices in Iowa

Iowa farmer Bob Recker has been comparing cover crop vigor in wide (60'' or 90'') row corn plots versus traditional (20'' or 30'') row plantings.

Iowa Beekeeper Advances Beekeeping Education with SARE Grants

With support from SARE, Julia McGuire has been enhancing beekeeping education and promoting sustainable business practices in Iowa.

Tenth Street Orchard Tests Sustainable Strawberry Production Methods in Kansas

With SARE support, Tenth Street Orchard compared soil health and profitability of annual plasticulture and a combination plasticulture/matted-row system for strawberry production in central Kansas.

Saint Louis Beekeepers Enhance Queen Rearing Practices

The Saint Louis Beekeepers are providing regionally adapted, survivor-stock queens and nucleus colonies to local beekeepers.

Nebraska Ranch Enhances Winter Livestock Feeding with Fodder System

Near Omaha, Nebraska, Bill Alward received SARE support to incorporate a fodder system on his small integrated livestock operation.

Hybrid Tractor Combines Efficiency and Reliability

Robert Braun received a SARE grant to research and demonstrate a hybrid dual-fuel tractor conversion on his Wisconsin farm.

Exploring the Potential of Cover Crop Grazing in Kansas 

Cover Crop Grazing: temporary electric cross fencing was used to control grazing areas and was moved regularly in an on-farm cover crop grazing intensity study in Kansas. Photos courtesy of Logan Simon.

Growing Peaches in Minnesota: A Cold-Climate Success Story 

With support from a SARE grant, Dan Sheild developed a peach-growing system tailored to Minnesota’s harsh winters.

SARE's Food Loss and Waste Projects

Organizations across the food supply chain received funding to tackle food waste and educate diverse audiences on reduction strategies.

Less Food Waste, More Family Meals: Encouraging Shared Mealtime in Missouri

This SARE project in Kansas City aims to double prepared food donations from the food service sector, validating ReFED data and creating a playbook to help other cities turn surplus food into meals for families.

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.

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 Case Studies

In 2023, the SARE National Reporting, Coordination, and Communications Office partnered with Insight for Action to evaluate four regional grant programs, complete with insightful case studies.

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 […]

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.

Scaling up Value-Added Local Food in Ohio

Glass Rooster Cannery works with local farmers in Ohio to preserve their excess produce. This reduces waste while increasing the year-round income for farmers.