Crop Production

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 […]

Organic Field Crop Production Videos

The following videos walk farmers through sustainable concepts and practices for organic weed control, including crop rotations and cultivation techniques. The videos highlight farmer perspectives on these topics and are part of a larger organic field crops course, available at https://courses.organicagronomy.org. Designing a Crop Rotation The concept of crop rotation is not new to organic […]

Forest Farming in Missouri An Overview of the Production of Non-Timber Forest Products

"Forest Farming in Missouri" is comprehensive guide to forest farming written to support landowners, producers, and professionals interested in this practice

Experimenting with Camelina: A Farmer-Led Look at Rotation, Oil, and Opportunity in South Dakota

In South Dakota, Art and Jennifer Walker have been exploring winter camelina as a sustainable rotational crop alternative.

South Dakota Innovators Build Affordable DIY Roller-Crimper

Ryan Schmid with the Ecdysis Foundation worked with farmers in South Dakota on a do-it-yourself guide and videos for repurposing a disc into a low-cost roller-crimper.

Cedar Valley Innovation Advances Wide Row Cover Crop Practices in Iowa

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

Beekeeping in Northern Climates Manual and Guidebook

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 is a manual from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab for both new and experienced beekeepers […]

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.

Video Series Highlights How Different Field Practices Impact Moisture and Temperature

Researchers at Ohio State University conducted a multi-year study using soil moisture and temperature sensors to compare the effects of conventional tillage, no-till, and no-till with cover crops on field conditions.

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.

The New Growers’ Guide to Producing Organic Food-Grade Grains in The Upper Midwest

This guide is intended for farmers interested in adding food-grade grains to their rotations, whether they are new to farming, or interested in incorporating these grains into an existing commodity grain, diversified vegetable, or livestock operation.

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 […]

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.

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.

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 […]

The Fruit and Nut Compass

The Fruit and Nut Compass is a farm business planning tool to help both new and experienced producers project the financial costs and returns from an enterprise focused on perennial crops.

Improving Honeybee Queen Quality and Diversity in Ohio

Hongmei Li-Byarlay is working to improve the quality and quantity of queen bee production in Ohio.

High-Efficiency, Year-Round Tropical Greenhouse in South Dakota

In Aurora, South Dakota, Shannon Mutschelknaus received SARE support to compare the various features of multiple passive solar greenhouse designs.

Prairie Strips as a Farmland Conservation Practice

Farmers and researchers in Iowa have been planting prairie strips in their crop fields to help reduce surface runoff.

Kansas Farmer Tests Heirloom Corn Varieties

Pantaleon Florez studied no-till growing methods of non-GMO, heirloom dent corn at Maseualkaulli Farm in Lawrence, Kansas.