northcentral.sare.org resources innovative-sliding-electric-fence-system-for-pastured-poultry Innovative Sliding Electric Fence System for Pastured Poultry Michael and Courtney Gutschenritter operate Three Brothers Farm in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where they specialize in producing pasture-raised eggs, 100% grass-fed Shetland lamb, and wool products. Just a short drive away in Walworth, their friend and fellow farmer, Levi Power, raises pasture-raised pork, chickens, turkeys, and cattle. Together, these farmers are working to support the sustainability […]
northcentral.sare.org resources beekeeping-in-northern-climates-manual-and-workbook 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 […]
northcentral.sare.org resources agricultural-justice-project-toolkit 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. Originally designed to help farms and ranches achieve AJP’s Food Justice Certification standards, the toolkit has since been expanded to assist a broader audience. With support from an NCR-SARE […]
northcentral.sare.org resources video-series-highlights-how-different-field-practices-impact-moisture-and-temperature Video Series Highlights How Different Field Practices Impact Moisture and Temperature The adoption of cover crops offers significant benefits. Yet, many farmers remain hesitant due to concerns about spring planting delays, particularly in regions like Ohio, where weather trends have made April and May notably wetter over the past decades. With ten fewer days available for fieldwork compared to 1995, it’s no surprise that managing soil […]
northcentral.sare.org resources the-new-growers-guide-to-producing-organic-food-grade-grains-in-the-upper-midwest The New Growers’ Guide to Producing Organic Food-Grade Grains in The Upper Midwest For farmers interested in producing food-grade grains, there are unique opportunities, challenges, and considerations for growing and selling these higher-value crops. These grains, destined for direct human consumption or as ingredients in products, have a range of markets, from breweries and distilleries to co-op groceries and restaurants. However, navigating these specialized markets requires careful planning […]
northcentral.sare.org resources livestock-waterers-and-watering-systems Livestock Waterers and Watering Systems A Handbook for Livestock Producers and Landowners What is the most important livestock nutrient? Water! Navigating through watering options to find a workable, financially feasible solution to livestock watering needs can be frustrating for ranchers. There are many choices and some options are incompatible with available land, labor, and capital resources. This handbook assists in […]
northcentral.sare.org resources online-conference-for-farmers-teachers-a-whole-systems-approach-to-farm-and-school-education-for-the-future-of-food-security Online Conference For Farmers & Teachers A Whole Systems Approach To Farm And School Education For The Future Of Food Security This 21-video conference series will engage partnerships between small farmers and teachers/schools for the future of food security. URL: https://www.gsms.org/food-farming-and-sustainability/ Ordering Information Good Shepherd Montessori Schooltniemier@gsms.orgGSMS1101 E Jefferson BlvdSOUTH BEND, IN 46619https://www.gsms.org/farming-the-city/5743400975Publication/product ID: 21 video conferenceCost: $10.00
northcentral.sare.org resources cultivating-morel-mushrooms 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 […]
northcentral.sare.org resources the-financial-implications-of-conservation-agriculture-insights-from-analyses-of-farms-in-the-upper-midwest 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 […]
northcentral.sare.org resources anishinaabe-nandagikenjigewin-miinawaa-eshandizoyang-an-experiential-introduction-to-anishinaabe-science-and-food-sovereignty Anishinaabe nandagikenjigewin miinawaa Eshandizoyang: An Experiential Introduction to Anishinaabe Science and Food Sovereignty Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has launched an innovative middle school curriculum framework focused on Anishinaabe science and food sovereignty. Authored by Aamookwe Amy McCoy, the BMCC Anishinaabe science and food sovereignty educator, the curriculum aims to integrate Indigenous knowledge into education. The Anishinaabe, culturally linked Indigenous communities in the Great […]
northcentral.sare.org resources midwestern-hemp-database Midwestern Hemp Database As a revived crop in the North Central region, best practices for high-cannabinoid hemp varieties are still under investigation. Despite strong interest, the lack of university-published resources increases production risks compared to conventional crops, threatening the emerging hemp industry. The Midwestern Hemp Research Collaborative (MHRC), supported by SARE, was formed to address these issues. […]
northcentral.sare.org resources blooms-for-mason-bees 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 […]
northcentral.sare.org resources youth-grow-indy-guide 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 […]
northcentral.sare.org resources fostering-community-well-being-in-farming-practices Fostering Community Well-Being in Farming Practices A Story Map Exploring Farming and Community Well-Being Embracing the concept of community well-being in farming practices creates a lasting and positive impact on agricultural communities. Developed with support through a SARE grant, the key management decisions explored in this story map create opportunities for farmers and foster a sustainable and prosperous future for communities. […]
northcentral.sare.org resources pollinator-friendly-cover-cropping-for-vegetable-producers-in-the-upper-midwest 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 […]
northcentral.sare.org resources farming-matters-video-series Farming Matters Video Series In 2022, NCR-SARE launched a storytelling video series, “Farming Matters,” featuring SARE grantees. Join NCR-SARE staff members Erin Schneider and Marie Flanagan as they learn more about what inspires and motivates farmers, researchers, and educators. You’ll leave each video with a better understanding of the innovative ways SARE grantees approach challenges. With this story-sharing series, as […]
northcentral.sare.org resources farming-into-the-future-by-centering-farmworkers Farming into the Future by Centering Farmworkers Across the country, farmworkers provide the labor, skill, and care that make many diversified vegetable farms possible. And in an industry as labor-intensive as this one, farm owners increasingly draw direct connections between their workforce and the long-term health of their businesses. Yet a growing number of employers have struggled to find and keep employees […]
northcentral.sare.org resources guide-to-building-a-meat-processing-facility Guide to Building a Meat Processing Facility A new decision tool is now available for those interested in the meat industry. With support from a $39,863 NCR-SARE Partnership grant, South Dakota State University (SDSU) meat scientists teamed up with the South Dakota Animal Industry Board and meat industry professionals to guide producers in the upper Midwest through the requirements of establishing and […]
northcentral.sare.org resources the-fruit-and-nut-compass The Fruit and Nut Compass Since perennial fruit and nut crops can take several years to mature and yield, producers planning a farm featuring fruit and nut crops can benefit from careful planning. The new “Fruit and Nut Compass” gives producers a framework to make plans before devoting resources to plants and infrastructure. Perennial Projections “The Fruit and Nut Compass […]
northcentral.sare.org resources lessons-to-go-for-youth-by-kc-farm-school Lessons to Go for Youth by KC Farm School KC Farm School at Gibbs Road is a nonprofit organization on a 14-acre urban farm in Kansas City, Kansas. With support from a $4,000 NCR-SARE Youth Educator grant, KC Farm School developed ‘Lessons To Go’ to bring sustainable agriculture education and food sovereignty practices to local youth aged 4-18. They wanted to provide additional lessons […]