Farmers are hearing more conversation these days about the circular economy and regenerative agriculture. Over the last few years agriculture has evolved to be more "extractive" than "circular" but that mindset is changing.

During the recent Iowa Master Farmer awards luncheon, two speakers shared their look at what a circular economy looks like for their operations. They're with the Iowa Smart Agriculture Work Group that's part of Solutions from the Land, which includes a range of organizations working to help meet food security, economic development, climate change and biodiversity goals.

Kellie Blair and her husband operate Blair Farms, LLC, a fourth-generation crop and livestock operation near Dayton, Iowa. Her focus is soil conservation and water quality, and the operation has a history of engaging in continuous improvement, always looking at better ways to get things done.

Bryan Sievers operates a grain and livestock farm which includes 2,300 acres of tillable land and a 2,400 head beef cattle feedlot near Stockton, Iowa. But to manage his carbon footprint, several years ago the Sievers invested in two anaerobic digesters to turn methane into electricity. That business has since evolved, which Bryan explains.

Their work offers a new way to look at your farm, though for some parts of the circular economy may sound familiar.

Give it a listen.

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