Farmer Cheryl Wheeler Believes Doing Research “From The Ground Up” will Inspire Others to Follow

While birds chirp and crickets rattle between the tomato vines of Efinity Harvest Farm in Trotwood, Ohio, Cheryl Wheeler, farmer and co-founder wears a smile as she warmly talks about her experiences leading From The Ground Up (FTGUp) research. 

The farm produces fresh, organically grown produce for sale at local farmers’ markets, and also takes bulk orders. Efinity Harvest Farm is on a mission to nurture resilient, healthy communities, as well as empower the youth. 

Since beginning her farming journey four years ago, Wheeler has become familiar with Ohio State University Extension and Central State Extension’s work in agricultural research. So, when she heard about the opportunity to be a part of it through FTGUp, she said she couldn’t have been happier to join. 

“I was happy for the opportunity to be able to be a part of it [FTGUp],” said Wheeler. “And knowing this was farmer-led research was really intriguing to me”. 

FTGUp is a farmer-led research project in Ohio and Missouri, working to improve the real-world, on-farm performance of conservation practices such as cover crops, diversified rotations, alternative fertilizer and pesticide practices, and integration of livestock and crop production. Backed by researchers from Ohio State, University of Missouri, Central State University, Lincoln University, and non-profit partner Solutions from the Land, the project brings farmers like Wheeler to the center of conservation agricultural research across nine nodes. 

The Southwest Ohio Node is studying the benefits that cover crops have on crop yield and soil nutrients, as well as the protection they provide to the surrounding environment and soil from extreme weather. 

Wheeler said learning how to implement and grow cover crops teaches farmers how to better care for the land while still making their livelihoods from it.  She has seen this come to fruition at farmers markets, where she often sells out of the salsa made from the fresh produce grown on her farm. “I want to be a part of something I can learn and benefit from,” said Wheeler. 

When asked about her experiences working with other farmers on the project, she stated they have only ever been positive. Being able to collaborate with other farmers has brought insight not only to Wheeler, but to the entire node. Asking questions and sharing results and solutions has given the farmers the opportunity to get to know one another and build trusting relationships. “It’s very rewarding to hear about other people’s experiences,” she said. 

As Wheeler has encountered unanticipated situations throughout her journey, having the support system that FTGUp offers, has given her hope to continue growing and developing her skills. FTGUp allows farmers to lead the design of research protocols with the support of university researchers. Wheeler believes recommended practices from the research will be easily adopted by other farmers because they understand one another better.  

“I believe this research will be more impactful because it’s coming from farmers,” said Wheeler. “Hopefully we’ll be able to speak to other farmers and they’ll want to hear from those of us who are actually involved in doing the work.” 

Wheeler looks forward to continuing her research with FTGUp and is grateful for the knowledge she has gained that will continue to better her farming experiences. 

“Our land will be better, our farm will be better, our soil will be better, our crops will be better and we will have better yield,” said Wheeler. “I can see nothing but better coming from this experience”. 

By Lauren Spirk