FAST FACTS
Regenerative grazing management entails controlling where and for how long animals graze.
Initial study results on a farm near Reitz in the Free State showed that the diversity of grass species increased after the implementation of ultra-high-density grazing.
North West cattle farmer DF Fyfer says that his regenerative farming system reflects the link between healthy soil and healthy, productive cattle.
In a society where ‘economies of scale’ has been the buzz phrase for decades, it seems strange that a farmer could be more profitable on a smaller scale.
Yet this is exactly what happened when Hannes Botha, a farmer running a mixed enterprise near Carolina, Mpumalanga, introduced regenerative farming practices on his farm, Fairview.
“I was able to double my farm’s carrying capacity in a single season; it was like buying a second farm,” Botha said during a recent regenerative agriculture webinar.
A few years prior to this journey towards restoration, Botha had tried to implement precision farming. It had cost an arm and a leg, yet had brought very little improvement to his operation. He began researching alternative farming techniques and started learning from regenerative farming pioneers, including Allan Savory, Elaine Ingham, and Dr. Christine Jones.
“This opened a new world to me. I came to realize that conventional agricultural practices have a negative impact on the environment and people.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 01, 2021-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 01, 2021-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?
Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.
In it for the win and so much more
The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7
It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.
Changing the potential of your soil
By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.
Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows
Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.
Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation
Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle
However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.
SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy
South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.