Smith Family Farms
Since 1853, the Smith family has used cattle, cover crops and conservation practices to help improve the land for future generations.
Six Generations of Farming, One Commitment to the Land.
For more than 170 years, the Smith family has cared for the same Iowa farm, passing down a commitment to stewardship from one generation to the next. Today, that legacy lives on through practices like no-till farming, cover crops and rotational grazing that help improve soil health, protect natural resources and support a thriving cattle operation. By blending time-tested values with a mindset of continuous improvement, the Smith family is working to leave the land better for future generations.
"We feel like cattle are a really good enterprise because they’re positive for the environment." - Jack Smith
A Legacy of Stewardship
“Conservation is a good word, but we need to do more than conserve, we need to improve. 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
Since 1853, the same family has lived and worked this eastern Iowa land, with six generations focused on caring for and improving it for the future. A historic barn and long family legacy are part of the story, but the focus today remains steady stewardship and a commitment to doing better each year.
Healthy soil is central to this farm, with practices like no-till, cover crops and rotational grazing helping protect the land and improve water infiltration. By keeping living roots in the soil and minimizing disturbance, the Smith family is building a healthier, more resilient farming system.
On this Iowa farm, cattle are part of a balanced system that connects crops and conservation to support soil health, water management and long-term productivity. Together with conservation-minded practices, they help build a more resilient and productive farm.
Smith Family Farms
Bankston, Iowa
Cow/Calf Ranch
Cows are bred and calves are born and raised every year on cow-calf farms and ranches, spending time grazing on grass pastures within sight of their mothers.