2000 Annual Report

Seeking higher profits, a Michigan grain and livestock farmer began growing and selling fresh vegetables from a new retail stand. Thanks to grants from USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program that helped her market the new operation through tours for schoolchildren, the farmer is earning more while enjoying the new venture.

The Michigan project is just one of 12 funded by SARE that are featured in the SARE 2000 Highlights. Since 1988, SARE has funded close to 3,000 projects that explore how to improve farm profits in ways that enhance natural resources and are good for communities. SARE-funded projects help producers find ways to cut production costs or add value to farm products at a time when low commodity prices have brought tough times to farmers across America.

This edition includes profiles from around the country on anaerobic digesters, integrated pest management, crop rotations, innovative marketing, value added products, managed rotational grazing, cover crops and community development.