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
Here’s how to start, continue and succeed in your farm’s transition plan.
Industry
4 Farm Succession Strategies
Here’s how to start, continue and succeed in your farm’s transition plan.
November 18, 2020 09:38 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
Recognize your team’s efforts in personalized ways.
Industry
‘Tis the Season for Appreciation
Recognize your team’s efforts in personalized ways.
November 18, 2020 09:37 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
Budgets are never perfect — but you need to complete one.
Industry
Your 2020 Budget: 6 Steps to Take
Budgets are never perfect — but you need to complete one.
November 18, 2020 09:36 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
Shickley, Neb., is a town experiencing a revival highlighted in Andrew McCrea’s book, “The Total Town Makeover.” 
Industry
Reimagining Rural America: How Can Small Towns Survive?
What will it take to help small towns survive?
November 18, 2020 09:36 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
While you can’t prevent natural disasters, a little preparation can go along way in coping with the stress.
Hog Production
Learn from Disasters: 5 Steps to Help Track Your Assets
While you can’t prevent natural disasters, a little preparation can go along way in coping with the stress.
November 18, 2020 09:32 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
Lower income continues to strain working capital and more farms are becoming highly leveraged.
Hog Production
Withstand Cash Flow Shortfalls
Lower income continues to strain working capital and more farms are becoming highly leveraged.
November 18, 2020 09:32 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
Prenuptial agreements are far from romantic. But they can prevent a farm from facing a devastating asset loss or long-term hard feelings.
Hog Production
Prenuptial Agreements Protect Farms
Prenuptial agreements are far from romantic. But they can prevent a farm from facing a devastating asset loss or long-term hard feelings.
November 18, 2020 09:32 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
Quality and effective feedback is critical in team management.
Hog Production
Nurture Good Employee Habits and Squash Bad Ones
Quality and effective feedback is critical in team management.
November 18, 2020 09:32 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
Do you sweat the small stuff? Do you aim to be above average in marketing, production and management? If you don’t, you’re leaving money on the table.
Hog Production
Danny Klinefelter: The ROI for Being 5% Better Than Your Neighbor
Do you sweat the small stuff? Do you aim to be above average in marketing, production and management? If you don’t, you’re leaving money on the table.
November 18, 2020 09:32 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
In the past decade, brother-and-sister managers Drew and Clare Schilling have grown their family’s breed-to-wean hog operation by more than 200%.
Industry
Taking the Reins
Millennial manager empowers team, grows Illinois hog operation
November 18, 2020 09:30 PM
 · 
Sara Schafer
Load More