My name is Zach Withers, and I live just outside of Cedar Crest, New Mexico, in the eastern foothills of the Sandia Mountains. I farm for a living, mostly pigs, compost, and a few dreams of orchards and food forests.
A few years ago, during a nine-month drought, we ran out of grass and couldn’t keep grazing without damaging the land. A friend showed up one day with a hatchback full of food waste, and that moment changed everything. I realized what most people throw away could become the foundation of a circular system, one that feeds the animals, builds soil, and gives back to the community.
Now we divert thousands of pounds of food waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Instead of releasing methane, that waste becomes compost, which we use to restore soil and increase water retention. I donate compost to local gardens, schools, and community groups. One middle school even built an entire garden program from it, and hearing how much that meant to the kids and their families has been one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
What inspires me are small acts of cooperation, neighbors helping neighbors, people showing up for one another. I grew up believing in self-sufficiency, but I’ve learned that nothing works without community. Around here they call it “neighboring,” you help someone on their place, and they return the favor.
The problem I’m trying to solve isn’t just about food waste or soil, it’s about disconnection. Through this work, I’m trying to bring that connection back. What I get out of contributing is purpose, knowing that something I’ve built helps others grow and leaves the land richer for the next generation.
A few years ago, during a nine-month drought, we ran out of grass and couldn’t keep grazing without damaging the land. A friend showed up one day with a hatchback full of food waste, and that moment changed everything. I realized what most people throw away could become the foundation of a circular system, one that feeds the animals, builds soil, and gives back to the community.
Now we divert thousands of pounds of food waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Instead of releasing methane, that waste becomes compost, which we use to restore soil and increase water retention. I donate compost to local gardens, schools, and community groups. One middle school even built an entire garden program from it, and hearing how much that meant to the kids and their families has been one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
What inspires me are small acts of cooperation, neighbors helping neighbors, people showing up for one another. I grew up believing in self-sufficiency, but I’ve learned that nothing works without community. Around here they call it “neighboring,” you help someone on their place, and they return the favor.
The problem I’m trying to solve isn’t just about food waste or soil, it’s about disconnection. Through this work, I’m trying to bring that connection back. What I get out of contributing is purpose, knowing that something I’ve built helps others grow and leaves the land richer for the next generation.