Category: Regenerative Ag

Compost tea is made and sprayed out generally every 2 weeks in-between the Biodynamic preparations. I can say the Biodynamic Preps are done every month according to the BD Calendar. Compost tea has times when we might be making dandelion, or comfrey, or stinging nettle, or yarrow drenches or teas. It is all dependant on weather and seasonal plantings.

Keith’s worm farm is a hands-down favourite, we get approximately 8-10 litres per month on average of leachate (worm wee) this is mixed at various rates of 50% – 10% ratio to water dependant on the plant and delivered either as a spray or drench. There is nothing else that compares to this for plant food especially veggies. The castings supply depends on the season, summer is about 60 litres and in winter it’s about 25% of that amount. The castings are mixed in the compost and spread as needed and available.

Amazing Bees, we have one very active hive with approximately 40,000 bees in spring/summer less in winter although some natives flower in winter so the numbers are subject to the seasonal food supply.
The bees pollinate our garden (and our neighbours) and they add something to the property like our Penda Tree Xanthostemon Chrysanthus that has grown but never flowered for 7 years. The Beehive is located near the tree and this year it was ablaze with the most magnificent display of yellow balls. We believe the bees have made a massive change in the energy of the garden. We have more birds, native bees, insects, and flowers than ever before. Plus we have beautiful fresh honey yum!

Our next-door neighbour sells firewood at this time of year and we get the bark and small chips – his rubbish by the wheelbarrow full and it’s great as it’s come from properties that are cleaning up usually from cyclones or summer storms and is full of mycelium spores. We use it everywhere even as edges which make whipper snipping easy.

Belonging to garden clubs or any club associated with gardening is an excellent source of cuttings and plants they always have exchange tables or rolling raffles where you can get some excellent plants for a 5 cent ticket. The best way of receiving free plants are the birds, although they often bring in unwanted fast-growing undetected vines.

All this sounds like a lot of trouble and some days it is but we wouldn’t have it any other way, to personally know the food you eat and the trees and plants living on your property that shade you in summer and willingly supply you with fresh juicy orange, or strawberry when you take a break, how can that be called too hard?

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Despite its growing popularity, many people are unaware of what biodynamic farming is and how it works. Biodynamic agriculture is a form of alternative farming that’s based on Rudolf Steiner’s ideas.

While the concepts behind this form of agriculture are diverse and sometimes esoteric, the results are excellent. In short, farmers take the biodynamics of various organisms into account to create a ‘holistic organism’ or farming style that incorporates all that live on the land. 

Farming Secrets has been interested in biodynamic agriculture for over a decade. Check out this recent video from our workshop about biodynamic agriculture:

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Yesterday, I visited my in-laws and the topic arises about the farm that we are purchasing. I told them I’ll be doing organic farming and they were strongly suggesting that the plants won’t succeed without fertilizers.

My husband, although we have the same dream, he doesn’t believe in organic farming as a business. His family is firm that organic works only as a hobby but not as a business. They believe in the conventional method of farming is a sure way of making a profit. And I can’t blame them because that’s what everybody is doing. You will be ridiculed if you do otherwise. They know some people who got rich because of this method and they don’t know anyone who succeeded with organic farming.

And while I was explaining why I don’t want to use fertilizers and pesticides because it’s not healthy and so so, my sister-in-law ridiculously smiled, “That’s not going to work, that is not business. I work at the market, people don’t care if it’s organic or not. They’re not asking where it came from. In business, you need fast production, expense is always a part of it. Other people will outrun your success if you think like that and you will be left behind.”

I told her, “It’s not only the expense. Our generations, especially our children, they will be the one who will suffer if we don’t change our ways. We don’t need a lot of money to be successful. ” And she said, “You probably don’t need a lot of money, how about your children? What if they get sick, you need to prepare for them.”

“They won’t get sick, because I am preparing them to be healthy,” I said. “Well, you never know.” she teases.

And this is where I left saying, “We all have our own principles and I don’t care whether I make a profit or not. But I want to sell food that is healthy because I believe you should do what you know is good and God will take care of you.”

I feel so anxious to make this no-chemical, all organic farming work and I want to show them that it is actually better!

So yeah, I probably don’t have a business mindset as they do but I think I have an investor mindset. I look at long-term gain instead of short-term profit.

And I have faith that I’m not the only one.

Do you have this same conversation with non-believers of no-chemical farming? Let’s hear it in the comment.

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The wonderful thing about endorsements is that they’re usually free. These can be collaborations with other brands in your field, influencers, or customers that love your product.

Every endorsement helps improve your following and enlarge your product base. You can band together with other farmers to get more exposure. 

Perhaps have something like a Weekly Wednesday, where each farmer in your group shares a brand each week. All of you will gain exposure, and your group will keep growing.

You can also encourage customers to endorse your products. Offer them an incentive to share and promote, and they will. Whether the reward is an entry into a contest or a discount coupon, everyone loves a good score.

Finally, contact influencers and offer them a product pack with things you sell. If they like the products, ask them to endorse you. If the influencer is popular enough, their endorsement can convert into many sales.

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Many parents and educators support bringing farms to local school systems. Even the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to make farm-to-school programs a priority.

Just a few months ago, the Trump Administration announced a USDA award of $12.1 million in grants to back these programs. Evidently, America is finally beginning to take a hint from Italy, Spain, and other European countries that serve nutritious, locally grown produce.

Ultimately, these programs benefit students, communities, and farmers across the country. Exploring the impact of bringing farms to school systems provides a deeper understanding of just how vital these programs are.

The Importance of Farm-to-School

As agtech, like artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, becomes more commonplace, human connection is beginning to disappear. Farmers are cutting staff and relying on machines to sort, harvest and package produce. Gone are the days of hand-planting and picking each berry and ear of corn. Most farmers don’t even sell their own crops anymore, instead opting to ship them off to supermarkets.

Consequently, people are losing touch with their food’s origins. Many children are unaware that milk comes from cows and 41% don’t even know eggs come from chickens. This troubling disconnect often translates to childhood obesity, malnourishment, and a lack of appreciation for planet earth and its resources.

If children understand where their food comes from, they may be able to reverse these negative trends and consequences. More importantly, the school system would raise up a generation of healthy, earth-conscious individuals who support local farms and the community as a whole.

How to Make the Connection

As a farmer, reconnecting kids with the earth and those who harvest rests on your shoulders. Even as the federal government grants schools money to support this connection, many educators don’t know where to begin when creating farm-to-school programs.

Moreover, unless they know about you and your farm, they won’t reach out to partner with you. Therefore, it’s important to take the initiative and begin making connections with the community you serve.

Participate in Farmers Markets

If you export most or all of your produce or livestock, consider shifting to a more local approach.

Collaborate with other farmers in the area and open a farmers market or community-supported agriculture program to encourage the consumption of more locally sourced foods. Hold community food events and network with organizations that focus on feeding kids and educating them about nutrition and conservation.

You might also partner with local schools to sell produce during sporting events or set up a farmers market in the parking lot on weekends. Doing so will allow kids to sample new foods and participate in hands-on education. Plus, you’ll create an opportunity for the school to begin using your produce in cooking classes or serving it to students for lunch.

Connect With Parents

As you participate in farmer’s markets and partner with schools, you’ll inevitably make connections with parents. Once they notice healthier behaviors in their kids and changes to school…

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Sustainable agriculture has a bright future for investors as it could quickly become the top industry to feed the world. By 2050, it is estimated that this world will contain nearly 10 billion people — that’s over two billion more people than the population today and over two billion more mouths to feed.

Farming practices today, however, aren’t all up to sustainable standards. As environmentalists advocate for eco-friendly farming, farmers are trying to keep up with the demand to produce sustainably-sourced food. As more agricultural businesses and farms trend towards sustainable measures, investing in the future of sustainable agriculture could be a smart move.

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture aims to meet society’s present nutritional and textile needs that don’t compromise the future generations of their needs. Anything related to sustainability integrates the environment, the economy, and society. Anyone involved in the food system can help to reach that goal of sustainability in agriculture.

Implementing sustainability into agricultural practices can look like a lot of things. Farmers can decrease the amount of water they use and find ways to use renewable energy to power their farms. Consumers can look for and only purchase foods that were processed sustainably.

The future of sustainable agriculture should be able to feed the growing population. Practices are now increasing the rate of climate change, and climate change is hindering agriculture now, so it is an ongoing cycle. However, changes to create a sustainable agriculture industry overall will have promising results.

Develop Eco-Friendly Machinery

One step towards a sustainable future in agriculture includes machinery built to benefit the environment rather than deplete it. An investment opportunity could consist of putting funds toward sustainable machinery.

Equipment for farms nowadays can do more. One machine could cover many jobs that are necessary to keep a farm running. Sustainable machinery can help farms be more efficient and less expensive than what farmers are purchasing now.

Eco-friendly equipment can help increase productivity so more mouths can be fed with the increasing population. Additionally, less expensive machines will allow farmers to purchase more equipment to increase their production rates. The goal with farm equipment is to have farmers use efficient, less costly, and sustainable equipment.

Invest in Agroecological Farming

Agroecology addresses the root cause of hunger and aims to make the most use of what nature offers for a sustainable future. Part of agroecological farming reduces the need for harmful chemicals. Instead of using hazardous fertilizers and other pollutants, it uses the existing land’s shape and function to manage agricultural systems.

Cover crops and livestock are two ways of farming sustainably. They help restore the land and soil function without the use of chemicals. Chemicals may still be used, but they are used less frequently.

By investing in innovations and research for alternatives to harmful fertilizers or other chemicals, agrochemical companies can move forward in the future of sustainable agriculture.

Encourage Education

Ultimately, to invest in the future of sustainable agriculture, one must…

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Besides being man’s best friend, dogs continue to prove to be reliable protectors, herders and guiders. Farmers have many responsibilities day-to-day, and in times where extra farmhands aren’t available, a dog is your next best companion and helper.

Dogs are integral members of farms. Almost any dog breed or mutt can be trained to assist you on the farm, whether it’s through herding livestock, warding off predators or just being there to keep you company on longer days.

If you’re considering adding a dog — or a few — to help with your agricultural needs, read through these benefits of dogs on your farm.

1. Livestock Herder

The major benefits of having a dog on the farm come when you’re able to put the dog to work. Dogs are bred for specific purposes, and you can train almost any dog to work on a farm. However, certain breeds like collies and shepherds work better as herding dogs. Whether you primarily work with livestock or have a small herd of cattle, a dog can significantly help you by herding them.

The livestock herding dogs have a specific purpose — to round up and move large livestock numbers safely and effectively at the command of your voice. Although it takes a lot of training, herding dogs can move cattle with swift movements and eye contact. This makes your job a lot easier and only requires a little bit of movement and vocal or hand commands for your dog.

2. Reliable Companion

The number one reason why people get dogs is to have a reliable companion. Farmers choose to have dogs for the same reason. Those who work in agriculture full time don’t get to leave their farms much because of all of the tasks and responsibilities of having a farm.

You might just want a dog to love, and a dog will love you back. Many studies have shown that dogs make people happier, less stressed, and more productive, all of which are positive perks on a farm. Plus, they benefit physical health because of their need for exercise.

3. Protector from Predators

Some farmers complete their chores late at night, so having a guard dog will protect you from night predators. Dogs will alert potential danger by barking. They have a keen sense of sight, smell, and hearing and can sense a threat before you can.

A dog can protect both you and your livestock, so it’s worth it to have a dog on a farm for protection alone. Besides protecting your farm from dangerous animals, a dog can alert you of potential intruders or even criminals on the run.

4. Pest Controller

There’s no need to use a chemical pest controller when you have a dog on your farm. Terrier breeds are suited specifically to chase away pests and vermin. Mice and rats have a habit of getting into feed, so you want something that will frighten them away.

Vermin carry harmful diseases and…

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On-farm storage systems hold the grains, fruits and vegetables farmers work tirelessly to satisfy consumers’ demands. However, they have exceeded the yields for grain and corn these past few years, and current storage options have not been able to keep up.

This has caused tons of produce and animal feed to rot. The food industry already contributes a considerable amount of waste to landfills that has accelerated climate change, and this adds to it  Food waste is a massive problem in the United States, so farmers are seeking other ways to store what they harvest in an environmentally friendly way.

Here are some sustainable on-farm storage systems that save food from being wasted and limit energy use.

Grain Drums

Grain drums made from steel are one of the most sustainable on-farm storage options. Steel is a highly durable material that can withstand any weather and keep moisture out of the grains. Additionally, they are often made of recycled materials.

Steel drums can be built to take up space vertically rather than horizontally, which saves you real estate that can be used for more planting or livestock pastures. They can store grain for a long time, so it won’t spoil and go to waste as quickly as it would in plastic drums or containers.

Investing in a steel drum will provide you with years of use. If it breaks, you can fix it rather than have the entire structure replaced. Also, having on-site storage allows for continued harvest, which reduces the amount of grain that goes to waste from harvesting too late.

Solar Dryers

Farms have benefitted from solar energy for some time now. Farmers install solar panels to save money on electricity for their farms, and this power can also be used to improve storage systems.

Rather than letting the air and sun dry fruits and vegetables, dryers filter the harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage produce and reduce nutritional value. Additionally, the process is sped up because the dryer’s temperature is much higher than what’s outside.

Solar energy is free and can be reused repeatedly by farmers, and the dryers allow them to produce more fruits and vegetables. The dryers only hold crops for a short period to let them completely dry. However, less food goes to waste this way, making it a sustainable option.

Root Cellars

This sustainable on-farm storage system keeps root vegetables fresh. It’s an old farming practice that aligns with modern sustainability. Root cellars keep produce at a lower temperature and away from the shade to prevent spoiling. They use the earth’s natural temperature below the ground, so there’s no need for electricity.

Additionally, root cellars don’t take up much space because they are built either below the ground or on the side of a hill. No above-ground structures take up valuable farmland. These would be great for farmers who grow smaller crops or produce for a local community rather than large-scale operations.

Before creating a root cellar, consider…

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There’s no better time than now to start developing your plans for a permaculture orchard. They are perfect if you want to make money with less work than a traditional farm and live sustainably.

Permaculture orchards take some work initially, but the reward is a piece of land filled with a variety of trees, shrubs, smaller plants, and animals that work harmoniously to bring in revenue. The goal is to mimic a natural ecosystem within the orchard to maintain an eco-friendly and profitable environment.

You don’t need a large plot of land to develop a permaculture orchard — all you need is the right mixture of organisms.

Here are 10 tips for developing a permaculture orchard.

1. Choose a Good Location

As with any planting, you want to choose a good location. Make sure it’s a place that is easily accessible, gets ample sunlight, avoids erosion, and can handle a variety of foliage.

You’ll likely be visiting your orchard often for tasks like pruning and watering, so ensure you have all the resources you need to develop it in that locale.

2. Plant the Right Size

It’s vital to consider the size of your orchard before you begin planting. If you have limited space, you can only grow certain types of trees, shrubbery, and vegetables that will fit and not get crowded.

Additionally, only plant what you can manage. Not having enough help to take care of your trees will result in a loss of money and plants.

3. Amend Your Soil

The key to productive trees is healthy soil. Before you begin planting, check the soil quality, and take necessary measures to improve and strengthen it to prevent erosion.

When choosing an amendment, decide on the soil type you have and add organic materials to boost the soil’s ability to retain moisture, improve structural integrity, or allow for better drainage.

4. Have a Variety

Variety adds biodiversity, which in turn creates the natural environment that is necessary for a permaculture orchard. Some trees need a pollinator to produce fruit, while others are self-pollinating.

Having a variety of trees and other vegetation brings in more money since you’ll be able to sell additional items. For the best results, make sure that whatever you plant can thrive in your climate.

5. Add Vegetables and Nitrogen-Fixing Plants

Perennial vegetables come in many forms, and it should be relatively easy to find one or more that successfully grow in your region.

Nitrogen-fixing plants are another great additive. They help keep your soil rich year after year, making it sustainable. Trees and crops depend on nitrogen to grow to their full potential.

6. Attract Beneficial Insects

You’ll likely attract insects with a permaculture garden — so plant vegetation that draws beneficial ones. Pollination is essential for any crop to grow, so insects that do the work for you make it thrive.

Nectar-rich plants are always a good option, but herbs and other profitable plants work as well.

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