Separating Hype from Harvest: How to Find Real Value in Carbon Programs

July 31, 2025

By: Janelle Buxton

Creston, Iowa — With a flood of carbon programs hitting the ag market, many local farmers are looking to separate valuable opportunities from empty promises.

At a recent event to kick off the Union County Fair, local livestock and row crop farmers got a practical guide to navigating this new landscape.

“Right at the moment there’s a lot of speculation about carbon, but not a lot of knowledge for the vast majority of us here in Union County,” said Adam Baker, Union County farmer and Farm Bureau board member.

Baker added about the event, "It was good to hear an overall message, plus see farmers come from all over.” A benefit Baker observed was to see new people get introduced to what the Union County Fairgrounds have to offer.

Getting Started: An Action Plan

Guest speaker Heather Gieseke, founder of BounceAg, an independent ag consulting firm focused on bringing neutral insights to the carbon market for farmers and agribusinesses, broke down the market fundamentals and offered clear advice for producers considering their options.

Gieseke’s advice for Union County producers was clear: start by documenting your current operation. “Create a sustainability value proposition baseline for your farm with detailed data for every field,” she urged. This means keeping a clear record of your practices. This shows your operation's sustainability baseline.

To find local opportunities, she recommended starting with your county NRCS office, your grain buyer(s), or state Checkoff and Associations. She also recommends exploring programs offered on a more national level. When it comes to carbon offset programs, local isn’t likely your best option.

The Carbon Landscape

She noted that funding opportunities for conservation practices are from four main sources: government cost-share programs (like those from the NRCS and federal grants), carbon inset/scope 3 programs, carbon offset programs, and the potential for the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit for biofuel producers to play a role in launching premium programs in the future.

Gieseke explained that while the U.S. carbon market is voluntary and not required for corporations to participate, companies are choosing to engage due to either investor pressure, consumer demand for sustainable brands, or the leadership mentality that it’s the right thing to do.

Due Diligence: Red Flags and Critical Questions

Gieseke stressed that a trusted company name is not a substitute for rigorous vetting.

“Just because you know the company doesn’t mean it’s a better carbon project. Understanding what is hype versus what is real is the biggest challenge for both farmers and agribusinesses struggling to navigate this new market,” she cautioned.

Before signing any contract, producers should:

• Verify all promises and calculate the real financial impact on your specific acres.

• Question the program's foundation. Ask why it is better than competitors and understand its financial stability. “Where is the money coming from? Is it a viable long-term source?” Gieseke noted.

• Review contracts thoroughly to address any concerns up front.

Beyond Carbon: The Water Quality Connection

Gieseke also highlighted the growing potential for programs that address water quality, which could be able to be "stacked" with carbon initiatives for combined benefits.

As water quality becomes a greater focus, new partnership opportunities will arise. She recommended producers prepare by focusing on documenting all current and previous practices at the field level. Even the smallest bits of information about tillage, fuel usage, fertilizer plans, crop health applications, and changes in strategy year over year may be meaningful. 

“In short, every time you enter a field, you should be documenting what you are doing. Creating a conservation practice report that includes this type of detail will put you ahead of the game for current and future opportunities.”

Ultimately, Gieseke said the best education comes from exploration. Her final advice was to “show up with a learning mindset and a healthy level of skepticism to find the right one. Make sure to take the opportunity to evaluate options available to you now, particularly if you are implementing new practices. Your biggest financial risk may be doing nothing.”

Heather Gieseke is an independent ag consultant. For specific inquiries on your farm, contact heather@bounceag.com.

The event was sponsored by Union County Farm Bureau, Union County Cattlemen’s Association, Accu-Steel Fabric Buildings, and the local nonprofit Harvest Fest.