From the Field Profiles

Using Cover Crops in Wide Row Corn

Iowa farmer Bob Recker challenged conventional thinking by asking whether wider corn rows could allow cover crops to thrive without sacrificing farm profitability.

Using an Alternative Feed to Bring Stability in the Face of Drought and Rising Costs

Texas farmer Diana Padilla secured a SARE grant to investigate whether farm-grown moringa oleifera could serve as a practical and sustainable feed substitute.

Ranchers Turn to Compost to Improve Soils and Boost Forage Production

Zachary Withers used a Western SARE Farmer/Rancher grant to examine whether applying compost could help his soil retain more rainfall, reduce erosion and improve forage production.

Redefining Learner-Centered Education to Build High Impact IPM Partnerships

Engaging farmers as self-directed learners and co-educators can improve the effectiveness of extension trainings.

Promoting Soil Health for Cut Flower Production

With support from a Western SARE Partnership grant, Melanie Stock of Utah State University partnered with cut flower farmers to explore sustainable fertilization practices for dahlia production.

2025/2026 National Cover Crop Survey Is Now Open for Farmer Input

Farmers across the U.S.—whether they use cover crops, formerly used them, or have never planted covers—are invited to share their insights on cover crops in the National Cover Crop Survey.

Improving Cattle Production Efficiency and Health Through Breeding and Probiotics

SARE-funded research conducted by Peixin Fan may provide insights on microbiome-guided strategies that offer beef and dairy farmers new options for improving livestock resilience and profitability.

Impacts of Silage Tarps on Soil Arthropods, Soil Properties and Crop Yields

Tarps dramatically reduced weed cover (around 30% weed cover in tarped plots versus 90% in control plots) and doubled crop yields.

Sustainable Farm Law 101 for Farmers

Farm Commons, a nonprofit based in Minnesota, helps producers build resilient agricultural businesses by training both them and educators in sustainable farm law.

New Video: Learn And Adapt As You Go 

Heather and Alby Brandon know that raising nearly 20 acres of mixed fruit and vegetable crops requires constant experimentation and evolution.