Sustainable Communities

Groundwork: A Missouri Farm Family’s Transition to Regenerative Practices

Nieder Farms in Krakow, Missouri, has been operated by the Nieder family since it was founded in the 1870s, raising livestock and poultry throughout its 140-year history. When fifth-generation owners Trisha Nieder and Daniel Gonzalez returned to the family farm with their two sons, the whole family realized they needed innovative ideas to tackle the […]

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.

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.

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 […]

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.

Bringing Nutritious Options to Food Deserts in Indiana

Legacy Taste of the Garden is a farm outside of Lyle's Station, Indiana that provides education and outreach to BIPOC producers across Indiana.

Anishinaabe nandagikenjigewin miinawaa Eshandizoyang: An Experiential Introduction to Anishinaabe Science and Food Sovereignty

This experiential curriculum format was designed by Aamookwe Amy McCoy and grounded in Anishinaabe scientific epistemology and ontology with accompanying demonstrations of curricula for experiential learning through relationships connected to food sovereignty.

New Podcast Series Explores “The Art of Climate Dialogue” 

A new podcast series out of Iowa features conversations with farmers, artists, researchers, and activists discussing climate and agriculture in Iowa. 

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.

Bringing Healthy Options to Food Deserts

Partnering with two other farms, Legacy Taste of the Garden Operations Director John Jamerson used a SARE Farmer Rancher grant on a multi-faceted project to increase the availability of whole foods in food deserts in Princeton, Evansville, and Indianapolis.

Black Soldier Fly Composting Takes Flight on Urban Farms

Caydee Terrell received SARE support to study the utility of black soldier fly larvae composting on urban farms.

Growing Solutions with Chicago’s West Side

Growing Solutions Farm received a SARE grant to enhance their sustainable growing program in Chicago that engages with young, diverse, West Side learners.

‪Increasing Food Security in a Mohican Tribal Community

With support from SARE, Stockbridge-Munsee Community Agriculture Agent Kellie Zahn is working with local educators to give new and existing farmers hands-on training in many areas that she hopes will improve the tribe’s ability to grow fresh produce.

Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times

Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times is a free workshop kit that teaches folks how to recognize and respond to a farmer that might need help.

LAAZY Hives: Ergonomic Hive Alternative

Beekeepers in Ohio designed and built a LAAZY Hive system for beekeeping that allows them to access their hives while seated.

Iowa Meat Processors’ Resource Guidebook

A guide to building, upgrading or expanding a small meat processing facility in Iowa.

Alleviating and Understanding Farm Stress

Meg Moynihan is working to help agriculture advisors better respond to the stress they encounter on farms and in rural communities.