Sara Schafer

Sara (Muri) Schafer, editor of Top Producer magazine, grew up on a family farm where they raised hogs and cattle, along with soybeans, corn, wheat, milo and hay. Since joining Farm Journal Media in 2008, she has covered a broad range of topics pivotal to the success of U.S. farmers. In addition to being an award-winning journalist, she has played several key roles with the transformative relaunch of AgWeb.com and spearheaded the Farm Journal Legacy Project expansion. Sara graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in agricultural journalism and a minor in agricultural economics. She resides in Columbia, Mo., with her husband and daughter.

Latest Stories
We are more than the hours we work and the services we provide. We are people, friends, family, and community. You are important, you are loved, and you are worthy of conversation, caring, and love.
Rural Economy Posts Growth for 15 Straight Months
For 15 straight months, the rural economy has posted healthy and consistent growth.
July 25, 2023 11:54 AM
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Sara Schafer
How Will A Surge in Bio-Based Fuels Impact Grain Demand?
The dramatic development of the U.S. renewable diesel industry is similar to how ethanol changed the U.S. corn industry. But it could be more even disruptive.
July 25, 2023 10:00 AM
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Sara Schafer
There may never be a more important time to focus on the relationships with your employees.
Leadership Tip: Focus on Relationships When Stress is High
There may never be a more important time to focus on the relationships with your employees.
July 25, 2023 09:18 AM
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Sara Schafer
Former President Donald Trump placed tariffs on more than $300 billion in Chinese goods during his presidency, raising costs for American companies, according to the ITC.
5 Transformations Happening in China That Will Affect Your Farm
China contains the largest population of any country in the world. All those mouths drive demand across the globe and for your farm’s products.
July 25, 2023 09:17 AM
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Sara Schafer
All eyes will be on USDA’s planting numbers on Thursday, March 31. Will acres swing hard to corn, soybeans or be split down the middle?
4 Potential Surprises for the March 31 Prospective Plantings Report
All eyes will be on USDA’s planting numbers on Thursday, March 31. Will acres swing hard to corn, soybeans or be split down the middle?
July 24, 2023 04:21 PM
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Sara Schafer
Economic Trends
3 Economic Forces to Watch that Will Impact Agriculture
Understand how global headwinds and tailwinds will affect your operation.
July 24, 2023 03:52 PM
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Sara Schafer
Sioux Falls Squall: “I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It”
On May 12, Nate Hansen of Dell Rapids, S.D., saw a wall of dust appear on the horizon.
July 24, 2023 03:19 PM
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Sara Schafer
Placing a plant grown during the experiment in a vial for eventual genetic analysis.
Moonshot Research: Scientists Grow Plants in Soil from the Moon
While the moon might not look like a fertile field, it is capable of producing plant life. That’s per a recent study by University of Florida scientists who have grown plants in soil collected from the moon.
July 24, 2023 03:18 PM
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Sara Schafer
2022 Markets Fertilizer
Fertilizer Prices Have Dropped, Should You Book 2023 Needs?
Almost all types of fertilizer are trending lower in price. So is now the time to buy?
July 24, 2023 03:06 PM
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Sara Schafer
Rural Mainstreet Index
Is Trouble Brewing for the Farm Economy?
For the first time since September 2020, the rural economy is showing signs of weakness.
July 24, 2023 03:05 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
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