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Promoting Soil Health for Cut Flower Production

Posted on by Sean McGovern

Nearly 200 farms specialize in high-value cut flower production in Utah. But the state’s mountainous terrain and semi-arid climate can limit yields, and improper nutrient management risks increasing soil salinity. 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.

Stock’s project initially aimed to determine optimal nitrogen fertilizer rates for dahlias but quickly evolved into a multifaceted study addressing soil fertility, disease management, and economic returns for small-scale flower farmers. The project provided six local producers with biannual soil testing and individualized nutrient recommendations. As a result, farmers successfully reduced nutrient overloading while maintaining soil fertility.

The project improved environmental, economic, and social sustainability of cut flower production in Utah by helping producers reduce production costs, manage diseases and avoid overuse of amendments, which increased yields and revenue as a result.

3 people using shovels on a farm between tarp coverings
After first frost, the harvest season is over. Because dahlias are not tolerant of cold, winter temperatures, the plants are dug, and the tubers are weighed and stored until the next growing season. Credit: Melanie Stock

A recent post-project evaluation of SARE projects awarded between 2016–2019 found that Stock’s collaboration with farmers was key to the project’s success.

“This project was prompted by a need I saw in the community,” said Stock. “Cut flowers were taking off in the state, and dahlia is the top crop for our farmers.”

Visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts-OW19-346 for more information on this project's impact.

Promoting Crop Diversification and Soil Health for Cut Flower Production is part of a series produced by Insight for Action as part of a post-project evaluation of SARE's regional grant programs. For more information visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts.

For information on grants and resources available from SARE, visit www.sare.org.

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Enterprise Budgets for Diversified Farms

Posted on by Sean McGovern

Every farmer makes tough decisions about production practices within the constraints of the land, labor and capital they have available. Tracking profitability in diverse operations is particularly hard because multiple enterprises often share equipment, labor and other inputs. Without a clear understanding of production costs and returns, it can be difficult to evaluate enterprise performance, set prices or plan future investments.

SARE’s newest bulletin, Enterprise Budgets for Diversified Farms: Tools for Understanding Your Bottom Line provides guidance on using enterprise budgets, recordkeeping systems and partial budget analysis to evaluate management decisions for diversified farm operations.

Five case studies demonstrate how these tools can be applied in real-world situations:

  • Economic Profitability from a Cow-Calf Operation: A 50-head operation in western Washington appeared profitable based on cash flow, but a deeper analysis showed losses once long-term capital, labor and equipment costs were included.
  • Hay Production Budgets: Careful tracking of labor, machinery and input costs is used to examine how producing round bales of hay for on-farm use on a cow-calf operation compares to producing square bales for the retail market.
  • Bottom Line Profitability for Grassfed Steers: Data from the cow-calf and hay enterprises is used to compare the profitability of selling grassfed beef directly to consumers versus USDA-inspected boxed beef markets.
  • The Breakeven Price for an Alternative Crop: A winter wheat producer uses multi-year budgets to evaluate the economic impact of replacing summer fallow with spring canola in a rotation of winter wheat, spring barley, and summer fallow.
  • Measuring Perennial Crop Profitability: This case study uses strawberries as an example of how to amortize (or spread out) the establishment costs and changing annual yields of a perennial crop, providing a more complete and reliable estimate of annual returns of the perennial crop.

Diversified Farms: Tools for Understanding Your Bottom Line is available online at https://www.sare.org/enterprise-budgets-for-diversified-farms.

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

Posted on by Sean McGovern

Farmers across the United States—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 being conducted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), SARE, and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). This is the 8th survey in the research series, which began in 2012.

The anonymous survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. Farmers who complete the survey can enter a drawing to win one of three $100 Visa gift cards.

Farmers: Take the survey now.

Data collected through the surveys has a powerful impact throughout agriculture, according to Rob Myers, a University of Missouri professor and regional director of the North Central Region SARE program. 

“The National Cover Crop Survey is a tool that helps policy makers, agribusiness, commodity organizations, cover crop advocates, farmers and others understand how farmers think about cover crops and make decisions around adopting the practice,” Myers explains. “Previous surveys have been used in Congressional testimony, cited in academic research, used by educators to help share information to help farmers succeed with cover crops, and more.”

For example, data from previous surveys informed SARE's report Cover Crop Economics, which addresses how and when cover crops improve profitability.

“This year, we're equally interested in not only hearing from farmers who actively use cover crops, but also from those who no longer use them and who have never planted them at all,” says Ryan Heiniger, CTIC executive director and a 4th generation Iowa farmer who uses cover crops. “Additionally and new this year, we’ve added more questions about grazing livestock on cover crops to explore return on investment and the practice’s potential as a contributing solution to help rebuild the nation’s cattle herds.”

Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA, adds that the CTIC/SARE/ASTA cover crop surveys help seed companies predict market demand for cover crop seed and spot trends in the use of various cover crop species. That helps seed growers supply the steadily evolving market for cover crop seed.

“Understanding the demand and opportunities in the field helps seed companies keep in step with the market,” LaVigne notes. “Over the years, we have seen new species and varieties of cover crops come into the market, and we have identified trends in how farmers have used various cover crops to achieve a wide range of benefits.”

The 2025-2026 National Cover Crop Survey is open until March 31. Visit the SARE website to view reports from past surveys.

Farmers: Take the survey now.

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Improving Cattle Production Efficiency and Health Through Breeding and Probiotics

Posted on by Sean McGovern

Calf digestive issues can be a substantial hindrance to livestock health and productivity in the U.S dairy and beef industries. 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.

Fan, then a PhD student at the University of Florida, examined a multi-breed Angus-Brahman beef cattle herd to better understand how the microbiomes of calves, influenced by genetic composition and diet, could reduce calf susceptibility to digestion concerns. With support from a Southern SARE Graduate Student grant, Fan studied the relationship between calf microbiomes and health, focusing on identifying beneficial bacteria that could combat harmful pathogens.

The results were promising and confirmed earlier findings that cattle with a higher Brahman genetic composition are more resistant to parasite diseases. The study also isolated bacteria strains associated with combatting diarrhea pathogens. By manipulating calf microbiomes through diet and strategic interbreeding, farmers may be able to reduce the incidence of loose stool with less reliance on costly antibiotics or other treatments.

A recent post-project evaluation of SARE projects awarded between 2016–2019 found that SARE’s unique support for graduate student research that helps farmers solve problems was key to the project’s success.

“Our intention with what we're calling a microbiome guided strategy is to use our research findings to enhance calves’ microbiomes by suggesting to farmers how they can breed and manipulate the animal diet to boost their economic outcomes,” said Fan.

Fan’s work was made possible with the support of her PhD advisor Kwang Cheol Jeong (University of Florida), Mauricio Elzo (University of Florida), and Miju Kim (Kyung Hee University).

Visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts-GS19-206 for more information on this project's impact.

Developing Efficient Probiotics for Microbiota of Diarrhea-Resistant Livestock is part of a series produced by Insight for Action as part of a post-project evaluation of SARE's regional grant programs. For more information visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts.

For information on grants and resources available from SARE, visit www.sare.org.

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

Posted on by Sean McGovern

Tilling and herbicides are two of many tools that farmers can use to manage weeds, but frequent use of either one can degrade soil health and life. As a result, many farmers are exploring the use of silage tarps as a way to suppress weeds while limiting the need to use tillage. Unfortunately, little is known about the impact of tarping on crop production or on the biodiversity of below-ground soil organisms.

In response, Eva Kinnebrew explored the impacts that using silage tarps may have on weed control, soil arthropod species, physical soil properties and crop yields. Funded by a Northeast SARE Graduate Student Grant, the project offers farmers a clearer understanding of the impacts of this increasingly popular weed management technique.

Kinnebrew, then a PhD student at the University of Vermont, collaborated with farmers to ensure that her research aligned with their needs. The findings? Tarps dramatically reduced weed cover (around 30% weed cover in tarped plots versus 90% in control plots) and doubled crop yields. The tarps’ negative impacts on soil life were less than anticipated too, resulting in an immediate decline in surface-active species, which quickly recovered after the tarps were removed. Impacts on soil-dwelling species like springtails and millipedes were more subtle, but indicated some evidence of a slow decline after the tarps were removed. 

Two people working on planing rows of crops outside
Collecting lettuce from plots to determine the effect of tarps on crop yields. Credit: Eva Kinnebrew

Kinnebrew's research provides farmers with an opportunity to improve the environmental, economic and production efficiency of their operations by providing new insights on a cost-effective, chemical-free method to control weeds and improve crop productivity without compromising soil quality or health.

A recent post-project evaluation of SARE projects awarded between 2016–2019 found that Kinnebrew's participatory approach was key to the project’s success.

“My project was really inspired by what the farmers were interested in,” says Kinnebrew. “A lot of knowledge points in my project were co-created with the farmers.”

Visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts-GNE19-205 for more information on this project's impact.

Impacts of Silage Tarps on Soil Arthropods, Soil Properties and Crop Yields is part of a series produced by Insight for Action as part of a post-project evaluation of SARE's regional grant programs. For more information visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts.

For information on grants and resources available from SARE, visit www.sare.org.

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Farmers and Ranchers Are at the Core of SARE’s Research Investments

Posted on by Sean McGovern

SARE has been around for nearly 40 years. The impacts that our grant and outreach programs have had on the sustainability of U.S. agriculture are because of one simple thing: Farmers and ranchers are at the center of everything we do.

SARE provides grants directly to producers, which mitigates the financial risk of testing new ideas for making their operations more profitable, productive and sustainable. And all of SARE’s grant programs require producer engagement throughout their project activities. 

“SARE is a funding source for producers,” says SARE grant recipient Emily Cornell of Sol Ranch in Wagon Mound, N.M. “It’s designed for producers, and I think that’s really important.”

Now, SARE’s 2025/2026 Report from the Field highlights 12 innovative projects led by producers to help make their operations more profitable, productive and sustainable. A few examples include:

Download or order your free print copy of 2025/2026 Report from the Field at https://sare.org/report or by calling (301) 779–1007. 2025/2026 Report from the Field is available in quantity for free to educators for use in educational workshops, classes or tours.

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Ancestral Mexica Farming: A Comparative Yield Analysis

Posted on by Sean McGovern

In north central Kansas, farmers lack a selection of high-quality, nutrient-dense varieties of flour seed corn that meet the needs of local markets. When more nutritious ancestral seed varieties are available, it’s important to understand how to use modern production practices to improve their yield and production efficiency.

In response, Pantaleon Florez III of Maseualkualli Farms in Lawrence, Kan., compared traditional methods with no-till production practices using three types of heritage corn varieties. With support from a North Central SARE Farmer/Rancher grant, Florez found that the traditional method of hilling stabilized the plants in turbulent weather and improved yield in two of the three varieties. As an added bonus, promotion of these project results also improved visibility and market opportunities for the farm with the local community.

As a result, the project improved the economic sustainability and production efficiency of farmers who seek to make more informed choices about seed selection and production practices to meet the needs of local markets.

A recent post-project evaluation of SARE projects awarded between 2016–2019 found that community-based partnerships were key to the project’s success.

“SARE guides you in the direction of building partnerships; you need more than just yourself,” says Florez. “The SARE grant process helps you figure out those partnerships and how everything is connected.”

Visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts-FNC19-1161 for more information on this project's impact.

Ancestral Mexica Farming: A Comparative Yield Analysis from the 1500s is part of a series produced by Insight for Action as part of a post-project evaluation of SARE's regional grant programs. For more information visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts.

For information on grants and resources available from SARE, visit www.sare.org.

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Sustainable Farm Law 101 for Farmers

Posted on by Sean McGovern

Farmers and agricultural educators require a solid understanding of the law to understand producers’ rights and responsibilities while managing risks. Farm Commons, a nonprofit based in Minnesota, helps producers build resilient agricultural businesses by training both them and educators in sustainable farm law. With the support of Professional Development Program (PDP) grants from SARE, Farm Commons has expanded legal education initiatives across the United States, helping agricultural communities gain access to critical knowledge.

Rachel Armstrong, executive director and founder of Farm Commons, has developed a training model that empowers agricultural educators to guide farmers through legal challenges common in their region. Armstrong’s project, piloted in SARE’s North Central region, laid the foundation for nationwide training adapted to the unique conditions in different agricultural landscapes, from the urbanized Northeast to the geographically varied Western region.

This initiative also improved the legal support capacity of Farm Service Agency staff, Extension educators and nonprofit farm advocates through in-person workshops and online modules. Within months, most participants reported increased confidence in assisting farmers with legal concerns, leading to adoption of best practices in risk management. 

This research increased economic and social sustainability among producers by enhancing their legal awareness and preparedness. The organization continues to refine its training models, ensuring agricultural communities are equipped to navigate legal challenges effectively.

“Agricultural educators also serve a really powerful role in helping to spot issues, identify what issues are really important, which are right for education, and which demand an attorney ASAP to help recognize what the farmer is trying to do and support them,” says Armstrong. “We are seeing our agricultural professionals be better able to spot legal issues and help route that farmer to a solution, particularly in the area of employment law.”

Visit https://www.sare.org//sare-impacts-ENC18-164 for more information on this project's impact.

Sustainable Farm Law 101 for Agriculture Professionals and Educators is part of a series produced by Insight for Action as part of a post-project evaluation of SARE's regional grant programs. For more information visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts.

For information on grants and resources available from SARE, visit www.sare.org.

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New Video: Learn And Adapt As You Go 

Posted on by Sean McGovern

Heather and Alby Brandon know that raising nearly 20 acres of mixed fruit and vegetable crops requires constant experimentation and evolution. On their family farm in West Kingston, R.I., the Brandons have learned to adapt year after year to grow their business successfully.

Over time, they’ve found that starting small and scaling up carefully helps them manage risk and respond to what works best in their fields. “It’s just trial and error. You have to try different things,” says Heather. “It’s an ongoing process,” adds Alby. “Every year feels easier. We get more done, it feels like we’re more on top of the weeds, the harvests, and everything else.”

Every year brings something new – changing weather, evolving pests, and other unexpected challenges. That’s why the Brandons value connecting with other nearby farmers and working together to share equipment and production strategies. 

They advise younger farmers to work with more experienced growers to learn the ins and outs of the business, because taking advice from other farmers is much more efficient than figuring everything out on your own. “I think it’s very important that you work…at least five to 10 years with a much more experienced grower,” says Alby. 

This video is one in a series produced by SARE titled Practical Tips for Beginning Farmers. Based on their own experiences when starting out, farmers from across the country share advice about common challenges facing beginning farmers in today's agriculture. To view the entire series, visit www.sare.org/resources/practical-tips-for-beginning-farmers/.

For information on grants and resources available from SARE, visit www.sare.org.

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New SARE Video: Build Strong Networks 

Posted on by Sean McGovern

At HKJ Ranch in Cobbtown, Ga., fourth-generation cattle farmer Handy Kennedy knows firsthand how critical it is to reach out for support, especially in today’s complex and rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

“If I had one piece of advice for beginning farmers it would be, do not try to go at this alone,” says Kennedy.

Facing the challenge of raising lower-risk, value-added cattle, Kennedy turned to Fort Valley State University Extension and University of Georgia Extension. With help from their livestock specialists, Kennedy developed a stronger herd using better forage, genetic, and risk management strategies—allowing his ranch to demand more from its cattle and stay competitive.

Kennedy also sought guidance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the USDA Farm Service Agency. “There is help out there and you must tap into that help,” he says. “That is the only way you can stay sustainable and comfortable in today’s agriculture world.”

HKJ Ranch now pays it forward by mentoring beginning farmers, helping them create business plans and refine marketing strategies to turn their visions into demand-driven, profitable operations. 

This video is one in a series produced by SARE titled Practical Tips for Beginning Farmers. Based on their own experiences when starting out, farmers from across the country share advice about common challenges facing beginning farmers in today's agriculture. To view the entire series, visit www.sare.org/resources/practical-tips-for-beginning-farmers/.

For information on grants and resources available from SARE, visit www.sare.org.

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