Sustainable Farmer Educators

Direct grant support

The SARE program offers direct grant support to selected speakers so that they can travel within the region and speak on sustainable topics without any cost to the organization hosting an event.

About Sustainable Farmer Educators

Before applying for speaker funds, you should see if one of these farmer educators is a good fit for your event; if so, all you need to do is contact the speaker directly and arrange for a speaking or workshop appearance.

All farmer educators are actively farming, so there are constraints on their time. Be sure to get in touch with a farmer educator as far in advance of your event as possible.

List of current Sustainable Farmer Educators

Steve Groff, Cedar Meadow Farm, PA

Steve Groff of Cedar Meadow Farm in Holtwood, PA, is a leader and innovator in no-till farming and soil conservation. He farms 175 acres, producing tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, broccoli, and pumpkins. Groff can speak on a wide range of topics specific to soil health, erosion control, and no-till; his web site at www.cedarmeadowfarm.com also offers information about soil health and sustainable practices.

He can be reached at 717-575-6778 or steve@cedarmeadowfarm.com He will also host tours on his farm, and groups are welcome.

Matt Freund, Freund's Farm, CT

Matt Freund is a second-generation dairy farmer in North Canaan, Connecticut who has a 250-head milking herd and experience improving the value of his agricultural land through farm conservation practices. He has also broken new ground in nutrient management with the use of a methane digester, in-vessel composting, and innovative re-use: The digester takes raw manure, heats it, stores it, and then separates out the liquid, which goes back on the fields. The solids are then composted and used for starter pots. He also has a farm market and bakery, 15,000 cubic feet of greenhouse, and he grows about 20 tons of greenhouse tomatoes and seven acres of vegetables. Matt can present on the use of anaerobic digesters to produce gas as a heating fuel, as well as his experiences accessing state and USDA support for sustainable agriculture. .

He can be reached at 860-824-7524 or mfreund@snet.net.

David Johnson, Provident Farms, PA

Dave Johnson operates Provident Farms in Liberty, PA. This is a family-run organic, grass-based, and diversified farm; their seasonal dairy is complimented by pastured poultry, eggs, pork, and beef sold to restaurants and retail. He also has direct experience in labor-efficient milking parlor design. By focusing on the welfare of his livestock and the health of his soil, he takes a holistic approach to farming and sustainability. Dave also hosts field days and can arrange farm visits.

He can be reached at 570-324-2285 or provident@epix.net.

Bob Muth, Muth Farm, NJ

Bob Muth operates Muth Farm in Williamstown, NJ, where he grows a wide variety of vegetables and operates a CSA. His areas of expertise include composting, soil health, organic production, and CSA management. In 2007 he was given the Mid-Atlantic Master Farmer award, co-sponsored by American Agriculturist magazine and Cooperative Extension; he is the first organic grower in New Jersey to be so recognized.

He can be reached at 856-582-0363 or visit the farm web site

Dale Riggs, Stone Wall Hill Farm, NY

Dale Riggs operates Stone Wall Hill Farm in Stephentown, NY, where she grows small fruits and vegetables; she was also the editor of the 2004 NRAES Pumpkin Production Guide. Dale served for several years as the Northeast SARE Farmer Grants coordinator and has experience running grant workshops with farmers and technical advisors that address how to develop a competitive, high-quality grant application. She can also speak on vegetable and berry production and farm labor issues.

She can be reached at 518-733-0602 or stonewallhill@taconic.net

Pam West, West Farm, WV

Pam West is a fourth-generation farmer with 114 acres in Lewisburg, WV, where she grows cut flowers, herbs, and vegetables. She has 2300 square feet of greenhouse and three high tunnels used for strawberries, tomatoes, and cut flowers. The farm also supports 100 ewes on 28 acres of pasture. Her expertise covers managed grazing, adding value, and marketing, as well as general farm and new enterprise management.

She can be reached at 304/497-3840 or westfarms@frontiernet.net