As Western SARE approached its 20th anniversary funding noteworthy sustainable agriculture research and outreach, the Administrative Council explored ideas to train the next generation of scientists and ag professionals. To help “grow” a well-trained new generation, the Administrative Council initiated the Graduate  Student Grants in Sustainable Agriculture program in 2005 with an initial allocation of $100,000. That year, 10 projects were funded out of 25 submitted proposals. Since then, 78 projects have been funded for a total of $1,470,666.

Overall the grants program is a solid investment in the future of sustainable agriculture in the West and U.S. This publication highlights six high quality graduate student projects.

The Western region ranching community needs reliable research-based information on sustainable livestock grazing practices and the true impacts of grazing on the land. Western SARE has played a key role in addressing the research needs of livestock producers. In 26 years, Western SARE has funded over 90 projects related to livestock management in the western states. A significant portion of this portfolio addresses sustainable grazing management on rangelands and in riparian areas. The four projects highlighted in this publication represent high quality research conducted in collaboration with producers and the effective outreach that gets research results into the hands of producers, ag professionals, and land managers.

Western SARE has played a key role in addressing the water research needs of our region’s farmers and ranchers by funding high quality research conducted in collaboration with producers. This publication highlights five Western SARE-funded initiatives in the areas of low water use crops, partial root zone drying techniques, efficient water use technologies, and linking farmer-friendly water use efficiency programs to achieve state water policy goals.

Pollinators and beneficial insects are critical for healthy agricultural landscapes and many of the crops grown in the West.The encouragement of native bee populations on-farm is more important than ever due to Colony Collapse Disorder and other pests. Restoring native habitats, identifying plants that provide the best food and habitat, and understanding nesting behaviors are all essential to conserve pollinators and beneficial insects. A restored habitat with healthy populations of native beneficial insects can in turn reduce chemical inputs. Western SARE has played a key role in addressing research needs of our region’s farmers and ranchers by funding high quality research conducted in collaboration with producers. This publication highlights four Western SARE-funded initiatives that provide cutting-edge information for creating on-farm habitat and implementing best practices that support pollinators and beneficial insects.