Year Inducted: 2025
Region III
Bankston, IA
Iowa Farm Receives Regional Environmental Stewardship Award
In the family since 1853, the 100% no-till Smith Family Farms is located in the rolling hills of northeast Iowa, today owned and operated by Jack Smith, his wife Maria, and their two sons. The Smith’s regenerative agriculture philosophy is based on soil health, which is accomplished through the three pillars of no-till, cover crops and cows. The Smiths have developed a cow herd that thrives in their environment by grazing throughout most of the year, limiting additional feed resources, and calving out in the field. Rotational grazing is another cornerstone for environmental stewardship, whether that be rotating on cover crops, corn residue permanent pastures or converting Conservation Reserve Program fields to pastures. In addition to their conservation efforts, the family is dedicated to preserving the state’s history through the Iowa Barn Foundation, which has saved more than 300 barns. Above all, the Smiths share their story and mentor others on their environmental and operational practices.
“Conservation is a good word, but we need to do more than conserve, we need to improve,” said Jack Smith with Smith Family Farms. “Conservation efforts don’t have to be hard, simply step back and look at the whole thing as a system. You know the things that matter, and make little decisions every day that, over time, make a big difference.”
“Jack Smith’s whole philosophy is based on protecting the soil and environment in his Dubuque County hill ground,” said Denise L. Schwab, Iowa State University Extension beef program specialist. “What I consider one of his greatest assets is his enthusiasm for protecting the environment and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with others.”
