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

Iowa and Minnesota are leading the pack in corn-planting pace.

Crop Production

U.S. Corn Planting Passes the Halfway Mark

Near-perfect conditions in much of the Midwest are aiding farmers’ planting efforts.

November 15, 2020 01:43 PM

Sara Schafer

While muscle memory will take over for many planting tasks, you have a new layer of uncertainty and potential danger: the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Crop Production

9 Steps for a Smooth Planting Season Amidst COVID-19

While muscle memory will take over for many planting tasks, you have a new layer of uncertainty and potential danger: the coronavirus (COVID-19).

November 15, 2020 01:43 PM

Sara Schafer

In 2019, U.S. farmers planted a 91.7 million acres. Expect that number to grow by nearly 3 million acres this year, according to Allendale.

Crop Production

Allendale: Acres Swing Heavy to Corn

In 2019, U.S. farmers planted a 91.7 million acres. Expect that number to grow by nearly 3 million acres this year, according to Allendale.

November 15, 2020 01:42 PM

Sara Schafer

Soybean acres for 2019 are estimated at 80 million acres, which is down 10% (and 9.2 million acres) from 2018. This represents the lowest soybean planted acreage in the U.S. since 2013.

Crop Production

It’s Time to Talk About Soybeans

Corn has been stealing the spotlight for months. But farmers need to keep their eyes on soybeans, experts say.

November 15, 2020 01:41 PM

Sara Schafer

With spring insurance prices of $4.00 for corn and $9.54 for soybeans, along with the bearish nature of futures prices, prevent plant premiums could be higher than profits from producing a crop.

Crop Production

Planting Delayed? Here Are Your Prevent Plant Options

With spring insurance prices of $4.00 for corn and $9.54 for soybeans, along with the bearish nature of futures prices, prevent plant premiums could be higher than profits from producing a crop.

November 15, 2020 01:37 PM

Sara Schafer

If your planting is dramatically delayed and your weather forecast doesn’t look great, you may be considering the prevent planting option. You’re not alone.

Crop Production

Is Prevent Plant the Most Profitable Option in 2019?

If your planting is dramatically delayed and your weather forecast doesn’t look great, you may be considering the prevent planting option. You’re not alone.

November 15, 2020 01:37 PM

Sara Schafer