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. 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

Founded in 1877, McFaddin Ranch is a living testament to the resilience and innovation of Texas ranching. Located near the Gulf Coast, McFaddin Ranch has worked for decades to hone grazing management practices to match the environment and optimize ecosystem services. From proper stocking densities, genetics, handling, forage quality, and flood and drought management, coowner and general manager Bob McCan continually seeks out new tools and approaches that enhance all aspects of the operation. These efforts have improved wildlife habitat, protected and enhanced water quality, and increased carbon sequestration. These stewardship efforts are helping the ranch meet its goals of integrating research-proven strategies to enhance sustainability efforts, maintaining thriving wildlife and livestock populations through complementary practices, using economic, environmental and social sustainability to guide decisions, and continuing the family’ s ranching legacy. In addition, McCan shares what he’ s learned through leadership roles at the state, national and international levels.

Our consumers, regardless of where they live and how far removed from the land they are, need to know that we take the responsibility of stewardship seriously. We do everything in our power to take care of the natural resources entrusted to us.

-Bob McCan