By Andi Anderson
An Iowan farmer is reshaping agriculture with sustainable practices. Zachary Smith, a fifth-generation farmer from Winnebago County, took over his family’s 120-year-old farm in 2014 and has been working toward innovative solutions for farming ever since.
The Stock Cropper
Smith, along with fellow farmers Sheldon Stevermer and Lance Peterson, developed the Stock Cropper in 2020. This system reintroduces livestock and row crops in the same field, mirroring diverse farm practices from decades ago. Their approach involves interlacing strips of pasture with crops like corn.
Central to their system is the "Cluster Cluck," a solar-powered mobile barn that houses livestock, including sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. The barn moves across the field, allowing animals to graze while enriching the soil with natural fertilizers.
A Synergistic System
The Stock Cropper creates a closed-loop system. Livestock are raised for pasture-based protein, while the crops provide feed for the following year. At the season’s end, the field is rotated, optimizing soil health and sustainability.
Future Plans
Smith and his team aim to make the Stock Cropper available commercially within two years. Interested farmers can join a waitlist and find detailed information on their website.
Promoting Awareness
Smith has collaborated with the Practical Farmers of Iowa to educate others on sustainable farming. Additionally, he will speak at River Action’s Environmental Film Series in 2025 after a screening of Food Inc. 2, where he is featured.
Smith acknowledges challenges in the industry but remains optimistic, saying, “It’s going to take out-of-the-box thinking to address the changing needs of society and agriculture.”
By integrating traditional methods with modern innovation, Smith inspires hope for a sustainable future in farming.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture