Schwarz Family Farm
Tom Schwarz | Smithfield, Nebraska
Background and Farm Overview
Tom Schwarz is a fifth-generation farmer operating Schwarz Family Farm, a 1,500-acre certified organic operation located just south of Smithfield in Gosper County, Nebraska. The farm has been in the family for over 100 years, with roots tracing back to survival through the farm crises of the 1970s and 1980s. Tom transitioned the farm from conventional to organic starting in 1988, achieving USDA Certified Organic status in 2000 (with full certification across all acres).
He manages the farm alongside his wife, Linda Schwarz, and their two children, who are now involved in the operation as the sixth generation. The farm focuses on diverse crop rotations including corn, soybeans, wheat, field peas, alfalfa, oats, and numerous cover crops. They also incorporate livestock, such as a herd of Holstein-Angus cross cattle, which were reintroduced after nearly a decade without cattle to enhance soil health and farm resilience.
The shift to organic involved adopting management-intensive practices like extended crop rotations, mechanical weed control, and creative problem-solving for challenges such as weed pressure. Tom initially faced hurdles with chemical dependency from his conventional days but emphasized building soil health through cover crops and reduced tillage.
Linda joined full-time in 1998 during the transition, contributing to the farm's success in certified organic production over the past 20+ years. The process was driven by a desire to eliminate synthetic chemicals, improve farm profitability, and create a safer environment for the family.
Benefits Realized
Tom is highly supportive of the transition, noting significant economic, health, and environmental gains. Economically, the farm has achieved higher profitability through premium organic markets and direct relationships with regional processors, shifting from volatile commodity markets to a more stable, consumer-based economy. He famously states, "I used to write checks to chemical companies. Now I write them to my kids," highlighting how funds are reinvested in the family rather than inputs.
Health benefits include reduced chemical exposure for workers and family, avoiding the risks Tom experienced as a child. Environmentally, the farm shows greater resilience to weather extremes, improved soil health, and increased biodiversity. Overall, Tom views organic farming as essential for long-term survival, ensuring the farm is "better than what we inherited" for future generations. The operation also supports community viability through sustainable practices.
Additional Involvement
Tom has served on advisory committees, such as the American Farm Bureau Federation's Organic and Direct Marketing Issue Advisory Committee, and frequently speaks at conferences like the University of Nebraska's Transition to Organic Farming Conference. The farm is certified by the Real Organic Project and maintains an active Facebook presence for community engagement.
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