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
“Human nature is to do nothing, but that means you can end up with three years of corn on your farm,” says Ben Brown, agricultural economist at the University of Missouri. “This strategy makes you proactive.”
The grain markets this week had trading ranges typical of a daily range a few months past. They appear to be calming down ahead of USDA’s February reports and USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum, says Jerry Gulke.
From 2020 to 2021, Susan Weaver Ford gained 8,900 neighbors, as the population of her county jumped 4%. “I used to farm fields that now have 40 houses,” she says. “The city is meeting us pretty quick.”
You are about to plant the most expensive crop of your career. But just how much more expensive?
Since their inception in 2014, you’ve been choosing between Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). You have until March 15 to make your choice this year.
The rural economy seems to be set on cruise in neutral gear. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.
The sources of stress and uncertainty for the season ahead are plentiful. When uncertainty is plentiful, so is decision paralysis. To play offense and face the biggest risks to your farm, use this decision framework.
In 2022, the average interest rates on farm loans skyrocketed from record lows to decade highs. While that jump is remarkable and expected to continue, a little perspective is needed.
“Our CEO will always be the Chief Risk Officer – a task it is irresponsible to delegate,” says American investor Warren Buffett.
As a young Nebraska farmer, Maggie Holub is in a league of her own. She has a complete, but flexible, succession plan — in writing.