Seasoned Host: Adam Seward on Stewardship, Soil, and Shared Ground in Iowa

In New Providence, Iowa, where timber gives way to cropland and the wind moves easy across the prairie, Adam Seward is carrying a family legacy five generations deep.

A Marine veteran, husband, and father of five, Adam runs Buckboard Livestock — a 650-acre operation of row crops, cattle, ponds, and hardwoods that’s become a gathering place for both wildlife and people. Through LandTrust, he’s opened his gates to hunters from across the country, offering not just access to Iowa’s famous whitetail and upland bird habitat, but a firsthand glimpse into rural life and the people who sustain it.

“We’re all fighting the same fight,” Adam says. “Hunters and cattlemen can serve each other. We just need to figure out how to manage and enjoy the ground together.”

From Cattle to Conservation

Adam didn’t set out to create a destination for hunters. His journey started with a concern for soil health.

“I knew we needed to take some ground out of production,” he says. “At first, native grasses were just a way to restore the soil. But once the cover grew, the wildlife came back. It reminded me what good stewardship really means.”

That balance — between production and preservation — now defines Buckboard Livestock. Deer, pheasants, and turkeys thrive alongside the herd. Adam’s approach blends agricultural practicality with ecological care. “I can manage it better than the state can,” he says with a grin. “I’ve put my money where my mouth is.”

The Dance Between Hunters and Cattlemen

A few years ago, Adam wrote an essay that caught attention across the outdoor community — The Delicate Dance Between Hunters and Cattlemen. His message was simple: it’s time to stop treating producers and sportsmen like opposing sides.

“From a political and environmental standpoint, we’re both seen as the enemy,” he explains. “But we can help each other. When hunters and farmers talk, share what we see, and take care of the land together — everybody wins.”

Through LandTrust, he’s been able to live that philosophy. His guests range from lifelong outdoorsmen to first-time hunters, and most come from out of state. “They’re curious about how we live,” Adam says. “They want to see where their food comes from and be part of it for a few days.”

Hosting Hunts and Building Bonds

Adam’s style of hosting has made him one of LandTrust’s most beloved partners — not because he offers luxury accommodations or guided hunts, but because he offers authenticity.

“I’ve been on a lot of first hunts,” he says. “But I’ve also been part of a lot of last hunts. It’s special when someone lets you be part of their father’s final trip. That’s what sticks with me.”

What began as a simple way to share his land has turned into lasting friendships. “These folks become part of my life,” he says. “I know their kids’ names. We keep in touch. It’s not just business — it’s community.”

A Bunkhouse Built on Connection

After seeing the demand from guests, Adam converted part of his cattle barn into a bunkhouse and bar — a warm space where hunters can swap stories over coffee in the morning or a beer at night.

“I built it after I started with LandTrust,” he says. “When guys are here, they want to celebrate at the end of the day — share a meal, relax. It just made sense.”

He laughs describing how many of his guests roll up in RVs or with coolers full of venison and homebrew. “They’re here to have fun and unwind. They’re not paying just to fill a tag. They’re paying for the experience.”

Why He Hosts

For Adam, the value of hosting goes beyond the financial benefits. “LandTrust made it possible for me to improve my land and keep doing what I love,” he says. “They take care of the tech and the logistics so I can focus on my guests and my ground.”

But the bigger reward is knowing he’s helping people connect — to the land, to each other, and to rural life. “You don’t have to be an outfitter,” he says. “Just be honest, set expectations, and care about the people who come. They’ll feel that.”

Looking Ahead

As his oldest son begins to take on more of the family farming responsibilities, Adam’s thinking about what legacy looks like for the next generation. Hosting has become a part of that.

“I’d tell other landowners — give it a shot,” he says. “You can be as involved as you want. For me, it’s been a blessing. It’s helped me build relationships, improve my property, and share what I care about most.”

From dawn chores to evening campfires, Buckboard Livestock stands as proof that good stewardship can create more than just strong soil — it can grow connection, understanding, and legacy.

Experience Buckboard Livestock

You can find Adam’s listings by searching Buckboard Livestock on LandTrust.com.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Midwestern whitetail, a fall pheasant hunt, or just a quiet few days in the country, Adam’s place offers something rare: real Iowa hospitality, rooted in heritage and heart.

“This isn’t just about hunting,” Adam says. “It’s about sharing what we’ve been given — and leaving it better than we found it.”

‍

‍