Lauren Asprooth, scientist with the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, was awarded a $249,806 grant from NCR-SARE for the project, “State of the Grain: Defining, evaluating, and showcasing the regional grainshed in the Upper Midwest U.S.”

“We seek to strengthen regional grain supply chains by exploring, evaluating, and documenting the Midwest grainshed(s). Results will be shared with farmers, grain chain businesses, funders, educators, and policy makers to inform outreach and strategic investment to support grainshed development,” said Asprooth.

This grant was awarded as part of NCR-SARE’s 2025 Research and Education Program, a competitive grant program for researchers and educators involved in projects that promote profitability, stewardship of the land, air and water, and quality of life for farmers, ranchers and their communities.

Research and Education projects include a strong outreach component and significant farmer/rancher or other end user involvement from inception of the idea through implementation of the project. NCR-SARE administers each of its grant programs, each with specific priorities, audiences, and timelines. The focus for each of the NCR-SARE grant programs is on research and education.

Funding considerations are made based on how well the applicant articulates the nature of the research and education components of their sustainable agriculture grant proposals.

NCR-SARE’s Administrative Council (AC) members decide which projects will receive SARE funds. A collection of farm and non-farm citizens, the AC includes a diverse mix of regional agricultural stakeholders. Council members hail from regional farms, ranches, the Cooperative Extension Service, universities, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.