Showing 1-20 of 35 results
Introduction to Ecological Outcomes Verification: Short-Term Monitoring
This Michigan State University course is designed to teach the foundations of short-term monitoring through the use of Ecological Outcomes Verification (EOV). EOV is a practical and scalable soil and landscape assessment methodology that tracks outcomes in biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem function (water cycle, mineral cycle, energy flow and community dynamics). EOV applies to […]
Rotational Grazing with Cover Crops Case Studies
Since rotational grazing of cover crops is not a common practice, to address some of the current questions from farmers in the upper Midwest, the Sand County Foundation of Wisconsin partnered with the Sauk Soil and Water Improvement Group and the University of Wisconsin-Madison to explore short-term agronomic and environmental costs and benefits of managed […]
Diagnostic Tools for Honey Bee Diseases
Diagnostic Tools for Honey Bee Diseases is an interactive website designed to train beekeepers and veterinarians in honey bee medicine. It includes photos of honey bee diseases and clear instructions for known diagnostic methods for honey bee disease. Lessons include step by step instructions, common mistakes and even fun games to solidify learning objectives. This […]
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.
Innovative Sliding Electric Fence System for Pastured Poultry
With 3,000+ pasture-raised laying hens, Michael Gutschenritter from Three Brothers Farm in Wisconsin needed a solution that saved time and energy. Enter the HenPen, a sliding fence system with an integrated feeder that gets the job done faster with less physical strain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Manure Composting Video Series
Composting manures is becoming an increasingly popular option for farmers.
North Dakota Farmers Lead the Way With Bale Grazing
In, North Dakota, siblings Erin and and Drew Gaugler are experimenting with bale grazing, or the practice of leaving hay bales in fields during the winter for livestock to graze.
Finding Success with Yellow Perch in an Aquaculture System
This document includes a summary of the aquaculture research projects that Bill West has participated in, as well as updates for each of those projects, written by West himself.
Iowa Meat Processors’ Resource Guidebook
A guide to building, upgrading or expanding a small meat processing facility in Iowa.
Bale Grazing to Build Soil Health
Erin and Drew Gaugler are exploring and documenting the impact of bale grazing on their North Dakota farm. Outreach activities like their "mailbox tour" are helping the siblings share their findings with neighboring producers.
North Coast Lamb Co-op: Using Carcass Scanning for Producer Production Criteria
In 1865, the National Wool Growers Association was formed. This first-ever national livestock association in the U.S. laid the groundwork for the organization we know today as the American Sheep Industry Association (American Sheep Industry Association, 2018). “The American Sheep Industry may be the oldest livestock organization in the county, however, American lamb consumption and […]
Investigation into a Year- Round Complimentary Broiler and Vegetable Farm Enterprise using Mobile High Tunnels
From improving soil health to diversifying income streams on the farm, vegetable growers have plenty of reasons for adding poultry to their farms. Amy Surburg of Berry Goods Farm in Morristown, Indiana, wanted to integrate poultry production with winter vegetable production, and she wanted to build a hybrid mobile coop/greenhouse that could be used for […]
Optimal Flock Size for Pasture Raised Layers
A number of growers, especially those on small or mid-scale diversified farms, are choosing to raise poultry in alternative ways, many of them reliant upon pasture. Aaron Brower, along with his wife Mary, own and operate Bluestem Farm, a diversified, 4-season farm in Northern lower Michigan. They raise certified organic vegetables on 10 acres. They […]
Feasibility, Planning, and Purchase of Mobile Processing Unit (MPU)
Pasture poultry, with its quick turn-around and minimal equipment needs can be attractive to small farmers looking to diversify their farming operations. Chris Sramek is a pasture poultry producer and a member of the High Plains Food Co-op (HPFC); in 2013, customer interest in their poultry was so high that the producer members were unable […]
Economics of Grazing and Haying Cover Crops in North Central Kansas
Grown on an estimated 10 million acres across the country, cover crops are becoming an indispensable part of crop rotations. To maintain this momentum, the development of reliable information at the local level—how to craft a diversified rotation that pays—needs to keep pace with growth in farmers’ interest. That is what motivated Josh Roe to […]
Producer Raises Prawns for Ohio Locavores
With support from SARE, Don Mahoney is making freshwater prawn production more sustainable in Ohio.