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
Little steps can ease frustration and improve communication on your farm.
What will the next decade hold for your farm? What factors should you use to weigh investments or crop planning? Here are five trends and data sets to ponder from USDA’s latest Agricultural Baseline Projections.
“If you do not run your day, your day will run you,” says Mary Kelly, CEO of Productive Leaders and a 20-year veteran of the Navy.
Declining U.S. corn acres, a slow start to corn planting and stable domestic consumption are all creating a bullish story for corn.
Still trying to nail down a good New Year’s resolution? How about pledging to use less energy on your farm in 2011?
Is your operation in the sweet spot for owning a sprayer? Of course, every decision has downsides (and a price tag). But, investing in a sprayer for your farm could offer a clear upside.
For 2022, USDA reports the value of the nation’s cropland is $5,050. That’s up $630, or 14%, from 2021. This year’s figure marks back-to-back record highs in cropland values.
If you find yourself ready to bid on a significant number of acres, do your homework, analyze lease types and perfect your landlord communication plan.
Succession planning is difficult and time-consuming, but it is also a key step for a business that can grow into the future. Regardless of where you are in the process, you can always take another step.
How to develop a “Code of Conduct” to guide your interactions with job applicants.