Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
For the Watts family of Lee, dairy farming goes back five generations to a Swiss cheesemaker who came to the United States to milk cows. Now, Full Circle Dairy, operated by the Watts family, produces more than 40,000 gallons of milk each day from 3,500 cows on their 2,000 acre dairy farm, in Lee.
Operating a responsible, sustainable farm is of utmost importance to Full Circle Dairy and the Watts family. This is what prompted them to run their farm with a “full circle” concept. The Watts grow much of the feed that is fed to the cows. Naturally, this creates a steady supply of manure that comes from the cows. This manure is used to fertilize the crops grown to feed the cows, hence creating a “full circle.” Admittedly, this is an overly simplified explanation. A great deal of care and monitoring goes into the organic fertilizer produced and used. This is necessary in order to keep an ecologically sound balance. The dairy operation is carefully monitored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). However, the dairy is careful to stay well within FDEP guidelines. “[We] manage what we do because it's the right thing to do,” said Greg Watts. “[We] go to great lengths to be good stewards of the land, the community, and the 50 to 60 people who work here.” Full Circle Dairy also works closely with other nearby farms to provide feed for the cows. This is a win/win situation as it helps both the dairy and neighboring farms.
Full Circle Dairy broke ground on a new facility at the dairy that will use manure from the cows and turn it into renewable natural gas (RNG) that can be used to power homes and businesses. When fully operational, this facility will capture the methane produced by the manure, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. Then, the facility will use that material to create clean energy that can be stored, distributed and utilized to power vehicles or appliances. “Our RNG facility will produce 100,000 average dekatherms of RNG each year,” said Phillip Watts in an op-ed published by the Tallahassee Democrat. “The project, which is expected to commence in 2024, is estimated to capture and redirect approximately 1,116 metric tons of methane per year, which is equivalent to 27,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide. That’s the same level of carbon reduction as removing 6,012 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from Florida roads for an entire year.” Construction has begun on the facility, which is expected to be operational in the next year.
Full Circle Dairy strives to be community-minded in other ways as well. From making presentations in elementary school classrooms about dairy farming to giving tours to school groups, the dairy put forth efforts to educate and inspire future generations. This also includes participation with the National Football League (NFL) and the National Dairy Council to promote the NFL’s “Fuel Up to Play 60” program to encourage youngsters to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and good nutrition.
All this is in keeping with the “full circle” philosophy behind the dairy’s operation. At Full Circle Dairy, they aren’t just producing good milk, they are producing good neighbors.