Farm Recycling: Keeping the Earth Green

Farming plays a critical role in feeding the world, but it also has a significant impact on the environment. As the demand for food continues to grow, it's becoming increasingly important to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that not only increase crop yields but also protect our planet. We've all heard of the "Three R's" of waste management -- reduce, reuse, and recycle. Well, farmers also implement the big three on their farms by utilizing natural resources efficiently and minimizing waste to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient farm ecosystem. Assistant Director of the Rock County Soil and Water Conservation District and former agronomist, Doug Bos, joins us to share the benefits of recycling on the farm, its role in sustainable agriculture, and how it can help keep the earth green for future generations.

One of Doug’s many responsibilities in his organization is working with farmers and landowners to farm in a manner that not only provides an economic return but to do so in an environmentally positive way.  Doug helps promote soil conservation and soil health practices, along with providing surveys and designs for waterways, terraces, and basins on crop fields to prevent erosion.

What inspired you to become an agronomist, and how has your work contributed to sustainable agriculture?

I was raised on a farm, my family still farms, and I still farm some myself. I have always had an interest in growing crops, maintaining productive and healthy soils, and the best farming practices to do both. As an agronomist, you work with farmers to provide the most profitable options for raising a crop. In my current role, I see the same needs and also promote farming practices that will be not only profitable but sustainable and improve our soil and water through better soil health.

Can you describe the process of farm-to-table sustainability, and why is it important for the future of agriculture?

The importance of raising food sustainably goes beyond just profit.  We need to raise food in a manner that improves soil health and at the same time protects our water resources. A driving force now is that consumers are showing us through their purchasing choices that they want to know we are raising food sustainably without harm to the environment.

In terms of soybeans, how does planting-to-harvest recycling contribute to sustainable agriculture, and what are some of the benefits of this process? 

I believe soy is crucial to a profitable and sustainable pork production as well as other livestock production including beef, dairy, and poultry. By producing a protein source close to livestock production and returning the manure to the fields producing the soybeans we are creating the ultimate farm recycling and adding to the sustainable component of farming. Additional benefits of feeding our livestock locally-grown soybeans would be a reduction in shipping costs when soy production is in close proximity to livestock production.

What strategies do you recommend for farmers to adopt in order to feed the world in a sustainable way?

There are tremendous opportunities to adopt many great regenerative farming practices such as strip-till, no-till, and cover crops. Adding additional crops such as small grains and oil crops such as canola have shown promise in the improvement of soil health and profitability.

Can you explain the importance of composting and recycling in agriculture, and how these practices contribute to soil health and productivity?

I think composting manure or utilizing manure for methane production reduces transportation costs, concentrates the nutrient source as well as creates a more uniform source of fertilizer for crop production. These organic amendments provide multiple benefits to the soil that far exceed commercially produced fertilizer products.

How does your work in agronomy intersect with the observance of Earth Day and other environmental initiatives?

I think Earth Day is a great way to encourage people to take one day to really take a closer look at our effects as humans on the planet. 

Can you share some of the challenges you have faced in promoting sustainable agriculture, and how have you overcome these challenges?

Changes to the established farming practices come with a cost. Adopting some practices such as strip-till can require a large financial investment in new machinery, sometimes in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Other changes such as cover crops and no-till can come with the risk of financial loss and may require learning new management skills.  The other factor that has become apparent is the social aspect, even though farmers are independent business people, they fear social criticism and the fear of looking like a poor farm manager.  We try to mitigate these challenges by offering cost share and incentives to buffer the cost of change.  We have a Soil Health Team composed of farmers and agronomists that help us plan field days, workshops, and demonstration plots.  These same people have volunteered to mentor farmers in making the transition to these soil health practices.

What advice would you give to young people who are interested in pursuing a career in agronomy, and how can they make a positive impact on the environment through their work?

First, I would say that there are some fantastic changes happening in production agriculture. With technological advancement and consumers demanding change, there will be some great opportunities to assist farmers in the transition to sustainable farming and soil health. The need for people capable of providing these services will be greater than the available people. I would suggest attending workshops, field days, and talking with early adopters of these practices. Learn some of the best ways to transition to these practices. Have a goal of always learning and asking questions!

Putting it All Together

Recycling on the farm is a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture and has far-reaching benefits for both the environment and farmers. From improving soil health and productivity to reducing the impact of agriculture on the environment and providing a sustainable source of food, farm recycling plays an important role in ensuring the future of our planet. By promoting and practicing sustainability, we can all make a positive impact on the environment and secure a brighter future for generations to come. It's up to all of us to work together and make a difference in our communities, and by embracing farm recycling in sustainable agriculture, we can take a step in the right direction.