Steve Strickler: Sustainability on the Dairy Farm and Beyond

From a young age, we’re all taught to “do what’s right.” However, as we grow up and take on the responsibilities of adulthood, the choice between what’s “right” and what’s “profitable” can become a tricky business. 

Not for dairy farmer Steve Strickler. 

Steve was raised on a dairy farm in Iola that he now owns and operates. Fueled by a sense of responsibility and the lessons his father taught him, he aims to make the world a better place — never focusing solely on the bottom line. 

“My dad was the smartest guy I ever knew,” said Steve. “He was a respected figure in the dairy community, promoted dairy around the world and encouraged our family to give back.” 

It’s clear the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Steve serves on the board of directors of Dairy Farmers of America and the World Dairy Expo. 

In addition to continuing his father’s work promoting dairy, Steve is on a mission to improve and preserve the environment — something he believes goes hand-in-hand with his profession.

“In many ways, farmers were the original recyclers,” said Steve. “We try to use everything we can and hate to see anything go to waste. This idea of recycling and sustainability is key to protecting our planet.”

Steve implements many such practices on his farm. For instance, his cattle are housed in a freestall barn with a flush system. The system separates cow manure solids from the water. The solids are then composted and reused for bedding in the freestalls, and the water is injected into soil as fertilizer, forming a continuous, sustainable cycle.  

“Dad once told me that eventually the manure the cows produce might be worth more than their milk or meat,” said Steve with a smile. “I’m sure he was kidding, but always being such a forward-thinker, he might have been onto something.” 

To that end, the Stricklers have also developed a healthy compost business, which supplies many local gardeners.

Not one to do anything halfway, Steve has taken his goal of protecting the environment beyond his day job.

In 2013, Steve and a few other community members recognized a need for a recycling program in Allen County. Their shared goal was to keep recyclables out of the landfill. After much discussion over a three-year period, they decided to stop lamenting the lack of a program and banded together to start one themselves. 

“When we first started, I drove my cattle trailer with loads of plastic, glass and cardboard to wherever they would take it,” said Steve. “That wasn’t working, so we bought a big baler and improved our system.” 

The purchase of the baler allowed for easier transportation — a necessity with the volume of recyclables Steve and fellow volunteers were soon picking up. 

“We approached local businesses and told them we would recycle their cardboard for free if they’d just put it all in a big chemical tote we provided,” said Steve. “If they thought they needed one, we’d give them one. If they thought they’d fill up seven, we’d give them seven.” 

The passion project was a huge success, and the recycling program is now partnered with over 80 local businesses who get their cardboard picked up once a week. For community members who want to recycle their personal trash, the program also holds a monthly “recycling drive” for individuals to make drop-offs. 

The project has continued to evolve, building another layer of goodwill. Steve and his associates — all volunteers — reach out to local youth groups, churches, clubs and other organizations with a proposal: If a group is willing to do the weekly pickup, they’ll receive the money from the recycled material. 

Each month, the program bales over 50,000 pounds of corrugated cardboard alone, and sends another semi-load of plastics, glass and mixed paper to various recyclers. In total, over 75,000 pounds per month of trash gets reused, repurposed or recycled — keeping it out of the landfill!

While there isn’t a monetary reward for Steve, he’s grateful for the opportunity to give back.

“How many times in life do you get the chance to do something simply because it’s the right thing to do? I’m trying to be the best model I can be for my kids and grandkids,” Steve said.

A perfect example of the impact farmers can have on the job and in their community, it’s clear Steve is doing just that.

This article was provided courtesy of Midwest Dairy. To learn more about dairy farmers across the Midwest, visit their website.

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