From The Ground Up Pioneers a Shift in Who Leads Agricultural Research
For decades, agricultural research has followed a familiar path: designed by academics, tested in controlled settings, and results shared with farmers through extension networks. But across Ohio and Missouri, that model is being turned on its head by the From The Ground Up (FTGUp) project. This time, the ideas originate from working…
Shane Hartzler on Farmer-led Research: Farmers Listen More to One Another
On a sixth-generation dairy farm in Rittman, Ohio, Shane Hartzler is balancing tradition with a drive to make smarter, more profitable decisions for the future. At Cross Roads Dairy, Hartzler milks about 90 cows on a 300-acre farm that includes pasture. “I enjoy the lifestyle, the challenge of the…
From Service to Soil: A Veteran’s Mission to Build Better Farming
On a quiet 80-acre farm in west-central Missouri, Arthur Kanneman is building a livestock operation rooted in purpose, discipline, and a deep respect for the land. A 24-year veteran of the United States Air Force, Kanneman brings a lifetime of technical skill and leadership…
Fifth-Generation Farmer Jared Barchak on Farmer-led Research: This is Our Idea
In gently rolling farmlands in west-central Missouri, Jared Barchak is continuing a family legacy while helping shape what the future of farming and agricultural research could look like. A fifth-generation farmer, Barchak manages a 280-acre, cow-calf operation with 75 mama cows that has been part of his life…
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…
How Farmer-Led Research Is Strengthening a Community Food Initiative in Southwest Ohio
In the Riverview neighborhood of Hamilton, Ohio, Hamilton Urban Garden Systems (HUGS) has spent a decade improving food and nutrition security for residents in this food desert. HUGS has been working to ensure that every man, woman and child in Hamilton and…
Farmer Donee Boykin says ‘From The Ground Up’ is elevating farmers voices
On a quiet patch of land in Trotwood, Ohio, sunlight filters through rows of vegetables and herbs at Endigo’s Herbals & Organics, LLC. The air carries the scent of fresh soil. It is a sign that the land is alive,…
