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Full Circle Farm as a Sustainable Agro-ecosystem

Full Circle Farm in Boone County, Iowa is a sustainable agro-ecosystem operated by Nan Bonfils, Don Adams, and Harold Adams. They work with nature to capture solar energy, recycle nutrients, and preserve natural habitats, while also supporting the local community through value-added products, local processing, direct marketing, education, and recreation opportunities.

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Full Circle Farm as a Sustainable Agro-ecosystem

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  1. A visit toFULL CIRCLE FARMBoone County, IowaOperated byNan Bonfils, Don Adams, and Harold Adams Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  2. Full Circle Farm as a SustainableAgro-ecosystem The farmers work with nature by: • Capturing as much solar energy as possible while reducing the use of fossil fuels • Retaining and recycling nutrients on the farm and using few purchased inputs • Preserving and restoring natural habitats to protect water quality and support wildlife Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  3. Full Circle Farm as a SustainableLocal Food System They are economically profitable and support the community by: • Raising value-added products such as forage fed beef, free-range eggs, and organic vegetables • Processing products locally • Marketing directly to consumers and returning wastes to the farm for composting • Providing education and recreation opportunities Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  4. Full Circle Farm’sGrazing&Grass-based Farming Ruminant animals (cows, sheep) transform the “free” solar energy captured in grass into high value meat products. Grass pastures hold the soil in place to prevent erosion and also add diversity to the farm. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  5. Grass captures solar energy. Cattle then consume the grass, fertilize the pasture with manure, recycling plant nutrients. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  6. Corn and sorghum are grown together in a mix without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  7. The use of movable electric fence allows cattle to strip-graze the crop while it is still in the field. This saves the fuel and labor of mechanical harvest. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  8. Even in winter when grass is not growing, cows deposit manure to fertilize fields and pastures. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  9. Steers are processed at the local locker and marketed directly in the community. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  10. Clun Forest sheep, a hardy breed, grow well on forage, and are processed and sold locally. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  11. Eggs from Red Star hens that are fed organically-grown grain from the farm provide a year-round product. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  12. Free-range eggs are popular with customers who like that the hens are not raised in crowded cages or fed antibiotics. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  13. Food scraps from a nearby camp are brought to the farm and composted. The farm recovers the food waste nutrients, returning them to the fields. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  14. Turning compost adds oxygen from the air to help bacteria decompose materials and cycle nutrients. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  15. Vegetables are grown with organic methods to provide local customers with fresh, farm-ripened produce. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  16. Vegetables are sold through Full Circle Farm’s CSA, and to grocery stores and restaurants in the area. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  17. Prairie plantings provide wildlife habitat. These warm season prairie grasses are grazed by cattle in the heat of summer. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  18. Woodlands protect water quality, and provide wildlife habitat and firewood to cut and sell to nearby campers. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  19. The farm pond is managed for fishing and recreation. Water is used to irrigate vegetable crops and water livestock. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

  20. Full Circle Farm is visited by many people for educational field tours and community picnics. Towards a Sustainable Agriculture

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