GVSU Farm ClubFarmer of the Week: 26 January 2017

Grant Schultz - Versaland, Iowa

VersaLand is a 145 acre farm, laboratory, and homestead in Iowa City, Iowa. VersaLand Farm is so innovative that it develops machinery alongside management systems, because most of the tools and equipment they need to implement their systems don’t yet exist.

The farm features 80 acres of alfalfa and oats to achieve soil restoration, and the rest is planted with fruit trees, nut trees, vegetables, and will eventually feature multiple species of livestock grazing on natural pasture, closely planned to reduce soil erosion, and maximize long term yields. Some of the other specialty crops include honeyberries, aronia berries, garlic and potatoes.

Grant makes money through his work as an educator, running various workshops throughout the year and posting content online, and through social media.

Grant also grows trees for sale, intentionally growing and marketing alternative species that you won't find too often in standard nurseries, charging a premium for "agroforestry grade" trees.

Bonus content:

Former SAP intern/resident, Matt DeJonge (GVSU Class of 2016) worked at Versaland during the summer of 2016.

GVSU Farm ClubFarmer of the Week: 26 January 2017