ZS Farms: From Soil to Supper, a Full Circle Approach to Farming in the Flagstaff Region
Settled within the beautiful landscape of Daysland, Alberta, a quiet revolution in agriculture is taking place. At ZS Farms, the focus goes beyond simply producing food or feed. It is about restoring soil health, creating transparent food systems, and proving that agriculture can be both productive and regenerative.
This fourth-generation family farm is built on a philosophy that everything begins with the soil.
A Different Way of Farming
For the team at ZS Farms, farming is not just about growing crops. It is about rebuilding natural systems that make healthy food possible in the first place.
Over the years, they began questioning how modern agricultural inputs were affecting soil biology. That curiosity led them down a path of research and experimentation focused on the soil microbiome. What they discovered was simple but powerful: when soil is healthy and biologically active, everything that grows from it improves.
This realization reshaped their entire farming approach.
Today, ZS Farms operates using a full circle model that connects fungi, soil, crops, livestock, and ultimately food. Rather than relying on synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides, the farm focuses on restoring soil biology through natural systems.
It is a process that requires patience, observation, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. But the results have been transformative.
The Power of Compost and Pigs
One of the most unique aspects of ZS Farms is their composting system, which involves an unexpected partner: pigs.
Instead of traditional compost methods, ZS Farms raises pigs outdoors where they help transform feed and forage into rich fungal compost. Through their natural activity, pigs help create the biological conditions needed to multiply beneficial fungi that strengthen soil ecosystems.
The result is a high-quality fungal compost that helps rebuild soil health and increase the nutritional density of crops.
Each season, the soil becomes more resilient, productive, and biologically active. That improved soil then supports healthier crops, which in turn supports healthier animals and food products.
It is truly a closed loop farming system.
From Field to Feed Bag
ZS Farms is also known for producing natural whole grain livestock feed that is fully traceable from seed to bag.
Their feed products are grown, processed, cleaned, and packaged entirely on the farm. This hands-on approach allows the farm to maintain strict control over quality and traceability.
Unlike many commercial feed products, ZS Farms feed contains no synthetic additives, no untraceable byproducts, and no contamination risks from ionophores or mineral premixes.
Their feed products are also free from glyphosate residues, fungicides, insecticides, soy, corn, and canola. Everything is grown and handled with care to ensure the highest level of purity and consistency.
What began in 2014 with a single product, whole brown flax sold under the brand Flax 4 All, has grown into a broader line of whole grain feed products including oats, milled peas, and the farm’s Signature Barnyard blend.
For horse owners and livestock producers who value transparency and quality, that traceability is incredibly important.
Exceptional Pork Raised Naturally
The same philosophy that guides their feed production also applies to their livestock.
ZS Farms raise pigs outdoors with access to fresh air, sunlight, and space to move naturally. Their pigs are fed exclusively with feed and forage produced on the farm, completing the farm’s circular system.
This approach produces pork with exceptional marbling, flavor, and quality. Customers who purchase through the farm’s Our Pork on Your Fork program often comment on the difference they can taste.
When animals are raised in a natural environment and fed high quality whole grains, the results speak for themselves.
Farming for the Future
ZS Farms represents a new generation of agriculture where productivity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
By focusing on soil biology, natural systems, and complete transparency, the farm is helping demonstrate what the future of farming can look like.
Their work has attracted attention across Canada as one of the first full scale farms to successfully implement these unique fungi focused system without relying on synthetic chemicals.
But for the people behind ZS Farms, the goal has always been simple.
Grow clean ingredients.
Care for the land.
And leave the soil better than they found it.
Discover ZS Farms
If you are interested in learning more about ZS Farms and their approach to regenerative agriculture, there are several ways to connect.
You can explore their whole grain feed products, learn about their compost systems, or discover their naturally raised pork.
Visit ZS Farms online, follow along with their farming journey, or watch for their products at local retailers.
Because when it comes to the food we eat and the feed we provide our animals, one question matters most:
What’s in your bucket?
Learn more at zsfarm.ca and discover how this innovative farm near Daysland is changing the way we think about food, feed, and soil health in the Flagstaff Region.
Are You an Agricultural Producer in the Flagstaff Region?
ZS Farms is just one example of the incredible innovation happening across the agricultural landscape in the Flagstaff Region. From regenerative farming and livestock production to specialty crops, honey, greenhouse products, and value-added foods, our local producers play a vital role in shaping the region’s economy and food systems.
If you are an agricultural producer looking to expand your reach, share your story, and connect with new customers, we invite you to become part of the Flagstaff Crafted program.
Flagstaff Crafted celebrates and promotes locally made products and services from across the region. Members benefit from increased visibility through the Flagstaff Crafted website, marketing campaigns, social media promotion, blogs, and regional features that highlight the people and passion behind local businesses.
For agricultural producers, this means an opportunity to showcase your products, strengthen your brand, and connect directly with consumers who value local food and farming.
Whether you produce grains, livestock products, honey, flowers, vegetables, specialty foods, or other farm-based products, Flagstaff Crafted helps tell your story and introduce your work to a broader audience.
Join the growing community of local entrepreneurs and producers who are proudly sharing what makes the Flagstaff Region special.
Learn more and apply today:
👉 https://www.flagstaffcrafted.ca
