We’re thrilled to introduce you to Ethan and Carly Zierke, the newest farmers to join the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) family. Together, they are the co-owners of Sweet Season Farm, and they bring their passion for organic agriculture and sustainable farming practices to their new farm. They are the newest tenants of Luzum Heritage Farm.

Let’s get to know Ethan and Carly a little better:

Ethan, originally from Iowa City, Iowa, and Carly, hailing from Marquette, Iowa, are on a mission to cultivate 30 different types of certified organic vegetables. They supply their produce through various channels, including their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, the Decorah Farmers Market, Oneota Community Co-Op, Iowa Food Hub, and several local restaurants.

Sustainability is at the core of their farming philosophy. They firmly believe that agriculture plays a crucial role in creating positive change for the environment and the community. By practicing sustainable farming methods, they aim to contribute to the health of the planet both now and for future generations.

As they embark on their new farm journey, Ethan and Carly are looking forward to several exciting milestones. They’re eager to deepen their roots in Northeast Iowa, plant perennials, reside on-farm, steward the land, and eventually introduce livestock to their operation.

Choosing a SILT farm was a natural fit for Ethan and Carly. Previously, they had the opportunity to farm at an incubator farm near Decorah, which provided them with essential resources and support during their first year. However, they knew that long-term access to land and housing was vital for their farm’s growth. SILT’s unique structure offered a perfect solution, providing permanent land access and allowing them to build equity in their forever farm.

With their farming experience, including training at Echollective Farm in Iowa and the Organic Farm School in Washington State, Ethan and Carly possess a strong foundation in managing a vegetable farm. They have also gained valuable insights into managing pastured pigs, goats, and chickens.

As they prepare the SILT farm’s growing space, planting cover crops to nurture the soil and reduce weed pressure for the upcoming season, Ethan and Carly are excited to begin farming on the SILT farm in its entirety by 2024.

Their love for growing greens, such as salad mixes, head lettuce, and specialty blends, is evident. However, their favorite crops vary from year to year, with a previous year’s favorite being eggplant, which they look forward to cultivating more of in the future.

Reflecting on their farming journey, Ethan and Carly emphasize the importance of building a network of supportive individuals who can share knowledge and skills. Surrounding yourself with experienced mentors and fellow farmers can significantly accelerate the learning curve and contribute to long-term success.

We’re honored to have Ethan and Carly as part of the SILT community, and we can’t wait to see their farm flourish with their dedication and sustainable practices.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Sweet Season Farm, and stay tuned for updates on their exciting endeavors.