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…
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…
Testing Fungicides ‘From The Ground Up’ with Farmer-Led Science in Action
Ed Mershon has been in the farming business for several decades, and the farm has served him well. Despite the success of his production business, Ed believes farming is all about learning, adapting, and leading. That encouraged him to join…
