SILT Helps Farmers and Communities

SILT makes it easier for Iowa farmers to grow food in a way that protects the land.

What is a SILT Farm?

SILT farmers grow food for their local communities. This helps families get fresh, healthy food while keeping money in the local economy.

These farmers use sustainable farming methods, which means they take care of the land so it stays healthy. This helps keep water clean, soil rich, and pollution low.

SILT farms also protect farmland for the future. Landowners can pass their farm to new farmers, even if they aren’t family, so the land stays in farming forever.

Why is Protecting Farmland Important?

Iowa is losing farmland every day. In the last five years, an average of 275 acres of farmland per day has been used for things like houses and roads instead of farming.

Farmland is also getting more expensive, making it harder for new farmers to start. Today, over half of Iowa’s farmland is owned by people over 65, and one-third by those over 75. If we don’t protect this land, it may not be used for farming in the future.

By protecting farms, we help new farmers, keep food local, and make sure the land stays healthy for generations to come.

Farm Your Way with SILT

SILT farmers grow the food they love and sell it where they choose. Want to grow flowers, seeds, hemp, or wine grapes? You can!

SILT is happy to work with farmers to meet our Sustainability Requirements, ensuring the land stays healthy for future generations.