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
Sarah Frey
Behold the Bootstrapper: Sarah Frey’s Journey from 80 Acres to a Seven-State Operation
Sarah Frey started a simple produce delivery route that has evolved into a fresh fruit and vegetable operation that distributes products nationally.
July 24, 2023 10:44 AM
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Sara Schafer
Rural Mainstreet Index
Banker Confidence in the Rural Economy Drops to Two-Year Low
For the sixth time in the past seven months, the rural economy has posted signs of weakness. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.
July 24, 2023 10:40 AM
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Sara Schafer
Rural banker survey finds attitudes turning negative
Rural Bankers Share Predictions on Farmland Values, Recession and the Economy
For a sixth consecutive month, the rural economy has posted signs of weakness. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.
July 24, 2023 10:28 AM
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Sara Schafer
Ag Lender Survey Results
Survey Results: Ag Lenders Share Profitability Forecasts, Top Concerns and More
In just a few years the farm financial pendulum swung from shaky to stable, according to the 2022 Agricultural Lender Survey report by the American Bankers Association and Farmer Mac.
July 21, 2023 01:49 PM
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Sara Schafer
Mark Faust
Have a Goal to Be a Better Leader in 2023? Here are Steps to Take
“You can begin at any point in the year, but the power of this is that by improving yourself first, others follow,” says Mark Faust, president of Echelon Management.
July 21, 2023 01:13 PM
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Sara Schafer
food trends letters in green, orange and purple
3 Consumer Trends Farmers Can’t Afford to Ignore
Consumer preferences can totter between fads and trends. For farmers to capitalize on consumer demands, they must be able to sort out which market opportunities to pursue, says Rob Dongoski with Ernst & Young.
July 21, 2023 01:10 PM
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Sara Schafer
Clearwater Farms
How Do You Add Value to Commodity Crops? Build a Niche Market, Proves Idaho Operation
Idaho operation builds niche business to complement core crops.
July 21, 2023 10:22 AM
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Sara Schafer
conservation practices
Dissect Costs Versus Benefits of Conservation Practices
Define your goals and desired ROI for conservation practices on your farm.
July 21, 2023 10:01 AM
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Sara Schafer
Corn, Soybeans
Costs And Benefits Of Back-To-Back Corn or Soybeans
High input costs, excessive disease pressure or commodity prices — any of these factors could be pushing you to plant back-to-back corn or back-to-back soybeans.
July 21, 2023 10:00 AM
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Sara Schafer
Rural Mainstreet Index
Rural Economy Slows While Farmland Values Stay Strong
The rural economy seems to be set on cruise in neutral gear. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.
July 20, 2023 04:10 PM
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Sara Schafer
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