Meet SWOF’s Rachel Schuler

Rachel Schuler – Field Program Representative, Indiana

In each Tune Up newsletter, we profile one team member, partner, or other Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF) affiliate to better understand their contribution to the program. In this edition, we’re spotlighting one of SWOF’s newest team members, Rachel Schuler.

Growing up in rural southwest Michigan, Rachel was shaped by the values of “Faith, Family, and Farm.” Now based in northwest Indiana, she brings that purpose-driven mindset to her work at SWOF. With a strong education from Michigan State University and hands-on experience in specialty crop research, she’s excited to help Indiana farmers adopt sustainable practices that strengthen their soil, profitability, and communities.

Rachel harvesting potatoes during her time as a research agronomist

Tell us about yourself and your upbringing, and how that influenced your career choices, including your work at SWOF.

My faith has always provided a steady compass of purpose in my life, shaping the way I approach both personal and professional decisions. I’m very involved in ministry and one of the most formative experiences while growing up was volunteering with my mom and sisters at our church’s local food bank. It was hard to witness the struggles that arise from lack of food and poor nutrition, especially among your neighbors. Over time I realized there is a disconnect between crop production and food access and that I wanted to do more to help change this process.

When looking at colleges, I knew I wanted to study at an agricultural school that offered both hands-on learning and a strong sense of community. Michigan State University gave me that and more. I worked as a research assistant in the horticulture department, supporting graduate students on their final projects related to organic farming and specialty crops. That experience fostered my belief in an upstanding national food regulatory system and cultivating high quality produce while also demonstrating the strengths and challenges of the sustainable farming industry.

Over the years, my passion for feeding the world has only grown. I’m thrilled to be part of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund team, where I can help farmers adopt conservation practices that not only protect our environment and water resources, but also help improve their crop production and long-term success.

How does your time as a research agronomist in specialty crops add to the support you can offer prospective and enrolled SWOF farmers?

My background as a research and production agronomist in specialty crops allows me to bring both precision and productivity to the table when working with growers, especially when it comes to developing yield-proven practices that also protect water quality and soil health.

In the specialty crop arena—like with potatoes—it was a running joke that “growing corn is as easy as falling off a log.” Of course, that’s not true, but the accuracy to which specialty crops are maintained is on a whole other level. That level of precision taught me a lot about ways to find improvements or efficiencies.

My experience in soil science, pest management and nematology, irrigation management, and even post-harvest storage and crop distribution gives me a well-rounded skill set. I’m able to offer a second opinion and provide added insights to farmers who are looking to fine-tune their production or take their conservation practices to the next level.

Rachel enjoys horseback riding. Here she explores the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.

Tell us a little about your first few months with SWOF and what you're most looking forward to as you continue working with farmers.

As a Field Program Representative for SWOF in Indiana, no two days are the same—and that’s one of my favorite things about this role. It keeps the work fresh and challenges me to keep learning. I enjoy going out in the field and meeting with growers to learn about their unique farming operations.

With my agronomy background, I’m able to collaborate with each farmer and identify opportunities to bring added value to the great work they’re already doing. That might mean discussing conservation practices they can implement, reviewing field boundaries and maps, walking through their current and planned operations. Even after a farmer enrolls, I like that I remain the main point of contact to help answer any questions they may have about their contract or implementation.

After that the fun part begins—farmers do what they do best: grow crops. Even better, I get to witness the results of all their hard work and dedication because one of the more distinctive aspects of SWOF’s program is our spring and fall field verification visits. I really enjoyed experiencing this for the first time this spring. At SWOF, we lead with honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic, and we value working alongside our avid growers who share those same values.

What’s something you would like to help farmers understand a bit better about conservation practices?

Things are tough right now in this economy, but I always try to emphasize that conservation practices don’t have to mean big, overwhelming changes. A lot of farmers think they need to buy all new equipment or overhaul their entire operation—but that’s not the case. With SWOF, even small changes like incorporating cover crops or reducing tillage intensity can lead to long-term benefits for both your land and your wallet.

Take cover crops, for example—cereal rye, radish, oats. They can boost soil nutrient content, retain moisture, reduce weed pressure, and provide habitat for beneficial insects like pollinators. Over time, that improves soil health and reduces erosion and input costs, leading to better yields. Or maybe you just want to reduce your tillage. Our enrolled farmers report savings on fuel, equipment, and labor after making this change.

And because SWOF is outcome-based, there’s flexibility. You don’t have to fit into a one-size-fits-all model. Every farm is different, and we work with you to find practices that make sense for your operation.

If you’ve been wanting to make a practice change on your farm, such as reducing your tillage, SWOF is here to alleviate some of the financial stress as you get started. Our helpful and knowledgeable field staff are here to provide quality, localized service to our farmers, helping you take on conservation in a way that’s financially viable. Contact Rachel Schuler with your questions at rachel@agoutcomes.com or join our enrollment waitlist today.

Rachel with her two dogs, Russet and Urban