About Us

Shepard Smith (Shep), founder and president of Soilsmith Services, has extensive experience in soil biology as a farmer, organic farm inspector, and professional consultant to farmers, nurserymen, and growers of many types of plants in various soil and climate conditions.

Shep's experience enables Soilsmith Services to:

• improve soil tilth or structure (includes heavy clay soils)
• reduce insect pressures
• reduce disease pressures
• reduce irrigation needs
• reduce fertilizer needs (as much as 30-50% in the first year)
• improve yields, flavor, and shelf life of edible crops
• improve uniformity of spatial growth in plants

Background and Experience

Shepard Smith was raised in Florida where his family produced citrus from 1950 to 1985.

Shep's experience as a beekeeper (since 1974) led him to study entomology at the University of Florida where he received a bachelor of science degree with a minor in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

IPM incorporates methods of plant management for reduced pesticide applications.

Shep's professional service to farmers and growers began in 1984. From 1992 to 1997, he worked as an IPM specialist with Glades Crop Care (GCC), an independent consulting firm devoted to fruit and vegetables. He was appointed director of GCC's citrus program where he monitored 15,000 acres for insect and disease incidence and advised clients on IPM methods.

In 1998, Shep moved to Oregon and began working with Dr. Elaine Ingham, president and founder of Soil Foodweb, Inc., a laboratory that analyzes soil, compost, and compost tea for microbial life.

Shep served as a farm inspector for Oregon Tilth, an organic certifying agency, from 1998-2001. During this time, he developed a keen understanding of grower concerns in the northwestern part of the USA.

From 1999 to 2002, Shepard Smith farmed and researched the effects of compost tea as manager of Sunbow Farm, a leader in the organic farming movement since 1982.

Read an interview with Shepard Smith conducted by Dan Armstrong of Mud City Press in June 2010. In 2012, Shepard Smith spoke about compost tea on WMNF radio in Tampa, Florida and was a featured speaker at a forum in Oregon.

See an 8-minute video about making compost with Shepard Smith of Soilsmith Services. Feed the soil!

Soilsmith Services

Based near Philomath and Corvallis, Oregon, Soilsmith Services provides beneficial services and products to commercial and residential clients, including farmers, growers and nurseries throughout the USA using sustainable growing methods that result in improved soil biology, plant vigor, and overall health.

After reviewing our web site, please contact us for more information and your free, initial consultation.