At Teton Full Circle Farm, the farm functions as a closed system; “one living organism.” The root of their operation is healthy soil, but what does that mean? Soil is a complex system that is impacted by activity above and below ground. If a soil is disturbed, it can become dominated by bacteria, which in turn prevents higher order plants from growing and allows weeds to take over. Fungi, however, act as a balancer within soil ecosystems, giving soil its structure and fixating nitrogen, allowing high order plants to flourish. 

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          Looking at healthy soil that is recovering, we see a distinct porous texture developed by microbes, roots, and worms. It holds moisture well and clumps readily, its structure is clearly layered. Ken calls this healthy soil a “microbe apartment complex.” This analogy is helpful to imagine the variety of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other organisms within that are sensitive to disturbances like turning or tilling the soil. 

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         Voles, mice, and erimine also play an important role in stabilizing the soil. As they carve tunnels and homes in the ground, they create porous systems which retain moisture from rainfall, promote grass seeding, and encourage movement of helpful worms and other decomposers. These rodents also draw in larger mammals like wolves and coyotes which help keep passing elk and deer from overgrazing on the farm.

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          Large mammals like cows also play a valuable role in this system. At Full Circle, they have three mature cows who graze in small, rotating pastures. As they trim down the vegetation, they make new farmable land both by clearing areas and generating rich, fertilized soils through their excrement. Their movement and bedding in the pasture aids in seed germination as it presses the seeds into the soil. When cows are raised in this way, they contribute to the overall well being of the ecosystem. Cumulatively, these regenerative processes enrich the biodiversity of the farm and support the growth of flora.

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          For every 1% increase in organic matter, the area water holding capacity increases by 25 kilogallons. This is incredibly important, especially in Idaho, as the availability of water for crops is precious and limited. All of the water used on the farm comes from the Trail Creek system. Through a series of diversion ditches and underground pipes, which gain water pressure through gravity, the water is spread by sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. 

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          Their right to use this water is defined under prior appropriation doctrine as junior right holder. This means when flow is limited, their right is superseded by a senior right holder (someone who had water rights first). Occasionally, this means that the farm must divert necessary crop water to other users, though often they are able to refer or purchase other water for use by senior right holders. While in some ways this is a challenging water rights system to navigate, they only pay around $100 a year for unlimited use.

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          After the Teton Pass landslide (2024), there was an increase in sediment load from the resulting debris in Trail Creek. They described the appearance of the water at that time as like “chocolate milk.” However, it deposited nearly ¼ inch of fresh sediment, “free soil” said Ken, on the garden plots, which they described as a net positive. While this event may not have had serious negative consequences on the farm’s water quality, it's clear how dependent they are on the health of the watershed.

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          Drip tape irrigation systems pose another interesting challenge with water use, as it demonstrates the trade off between resilience and efficiency. Drip irrigation is incredible for conserving water and targeting use of water. It keeps consumption and cost of water low. However, it is an expensive and time consuming system to install. Unfortunately, the plastic pieces are prone to breakage and often need to be replaced in large pieces. By comparison, sprinkler systems are generally aluminum or steel, and parts can easily and inexpensively be replaced though they tend to consume more water. Little details like these become big on a large scale farm like Full Circle.

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         “Diversity is the thread that weaves the web of life.” This is more than a motto or biodynamic principle at Full Circle Farm, it's how they operate in every part of their business. Just as diversity is supportive in biology, it's equally significant for the success of small farms like Full Circle. Diverse cultures put pressure on these farms to produce a variety of crops, as each group uses each crop in unique ways. Either through family recipes, medicinal backgrounds, or commercial uses of their crops. Without the pressure from different cultures, these farms would have no reason to provide diverse products, and the circular system on which the success of the farm relies would fall apart. Similarly, the diversity of their products and clients make them resilient during times of economic fluctuations.

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         So much of the process and intention at Full Circle Farm is about interconnectedness. There is a deep commitment to the interplay of relationships at all scales - from microbial to human. They engage with their conventional farming neighbors through understanding and collaboration. They play a role in the complex cultures of their staff, consumers, and community at large. The integrated, self-sustaining system on the farm plays a part in the greater story of climate change and human efforts against it.

 

More information about Teton Full Circle Farm can be found on their website: https://www.tetonfullcirclefarm.org