Highlights of Selected Projects from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program

CSREES' Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education (SARE) Program funds projects and conducts outreach through competitive grants. SARE projects are designed to improve agricultural systems from farm to consumer. Its findings may apply directly to farms, ranches, and rural communities across the nation. Here are examples of how some farmers and ranchers cooperating on SARE grants have realized new ways to make money—while protecting the environment and improving quality of life in their communities. Click on each link for a full description of the highlighted project:

Energy

• Farmers Turn on to Renewable Energy and Conservation

Vegetable and Crop Production

• High Tunnels: Extending the Life of Crops in Cool Climates
• Cover Crop Adds Fertility, Boosts Desert Vegetable Yields
• Potato Growers Emulate “Model” Methods for Higher Profits

Livestock Systems

• Sheep, Goats Manage Rangeland Weeds in Multi-Species Systems
• Win-Win-Win: Managed Grazing Improves Profits, Soil, Water Quality
• Improving a System: Sheep, Goat Farmers Explore State of the Rumen
• Building Better Grazing Systems in New York's Finger Lakes Region
• Testing Profitable Forage Systems for Goats
• Research Shows Nutritional Benefits of Pasture-Raised Products

Organic Production

• Learning What's Possible—WVU Research Farm Goes Organic
• Research on Large California Farm Proves Organic Transition Feasible
• Growth in Organic Markets Helps Launch Florida Research Center
• Organic Workshops Shine Light on Grain, Livestock Enterprises
• Organic 101: Sharing Farm-Based Knowledge with Professionals

Pest Management

• Building a Fortress: Surrounding Crops with Perimeter Fools Pests
• Cover Crops Lure Beneficial Insects, Improve Bottom Line in Cotton
• Integrating Sheep Into Grain and Alfalfa Systems Knocks Back Pests
• Cover Crops Deter Root-Damaging Nematodes in Vegetable Systems
• Baiting the Trap: New Lures Ensnare Damaging Hive Beetle

Crop Improvement and New Crops

• Growing Own Seed Cuts Farmer Costs, Opens New Markets
• Ozark Herbs: Building a Profitable Enterprise One Root at a Time
• Heritage Plant Holds Promise for Northeast Growers

Marketing and Adding Value

• Customers Flock to Creative Ranch Products, from Lamb to Pelts
• North Dakota Farmer Adds Value to Wheat, Jumpstarts Local Economy
• New Processing Plant Creates Profitable Poultry Sales in Mississippi
• Farmer Network Creates "Heritage Acres" Highway to Missouri Stores
• Season-Long Harvest: Cooperative of Community Farms Serves 200
• Marketing Meat to Culturally Diverse Families and Communities

Community Development

• Ag Education, Community Development Make Good Partners in Texas
• Reservation Gardeners Earn First Profits at Fledgling Market
• Keen on Beans: Nutritious Fresh Soybean a Community, Farmer-Favorite
• Maine Farmers Design Systems, Involve Community

Manure Management

• Growing Sod with Manure Teams Two Texas Commodities
• Composting Manure in Layer Houses Transforms Problem to Product

Agroforestry & Forestry

• Wood Products Open Up Specialty Markets for Farmers
• Cattle, Pecan Trees an Environmentally Sound Mix
• Mississippi-Led Workshops Create Opportunity for Forestland Owners

Soil Health and Resource Conservation

• With New Testing Protocol, New York Research Digs Into Soil Health
• Conservation Tillage in Western Crops Boosts Profits, Cuts Erosion
• Living on the Land: Improving Education for Small-Acreage Farmers

Water Quality & Conservation

• Grass-Based Dairy Systems Prove a Water Quality Winner
• Two Times a Charm: Recycling Acquaculture Water on Olive Trees
• Conservation-Oriented Irrigation System Feeds Healthy Range

Continuing Education

• Farmers as Educators: New Program Sends Information Peer to Peer
• Farm Mentors Teach Production, Life Skills to New Producers

Savvy Business Planning

• Bankers Say Better Farm Records Improve Chances for Loans

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Last Updated: 07/17/2007