Sarah Hargreaves

Sarah Hargreaves is a prominent figure in the field of ecological farming and soil science. She currently serves as the Director of Research at the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO), where she leads the Farmer-Led Research Program and Small Grains Program.1

Academic Background

Dr. Hargreaves holds a Ph.D. in Soil Microbial Ecology from Iowa State University.12 Her academic focus has been on plant-microbe interactions in perennial and annual systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health and microbial ecology.2

Professional Experience

Sarah's career has been dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture practices:

• EFAO Leadership: She launched EFAO's Farmer-Led Research Program in 2016 and the Small Grains Program in 2020.1
• Soil Health Expertise: She supports soil health components of EFAO's education programs, leveraging her extensive knowledge of soil microbes and their role in agroecosystems.1
• Previous Research: Prior to her work with EFAO, Sarah spent three years studying nutrient cycling in the sub-Arctic and ten years in Iowa applying her expertise to agroecosystems.1

Farming Experience

In addition to her research work, Sarah has hands-on farming experience. She was previously the Proprietor and farmer at Three Ridges Ecological Farm, which gives her a unique perspective that combines academic knowledge with practical farming insights.

Professional Philosophy

Sarah's work is driven by her passion for soil microbes, which she views as ultimate recyclers and network builders in ecosystems.1 She is also a strong advocate for farmer-to-farmer networks, recognizing their power to stimulate curiosity and innovation among farmers.1

Through her role at EFAO, Sarah continues to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical farming applications, supporting ecological farmers in their efforts to implement sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.