Nature-Based Farming Secures A Solid Future For Limpopo Farm

Reducing inputs costs and increasing yields are the foundation of a profitable enterprise. However, true sustainability comes from investing in practices that increase your farm’s ability to produce over time. Lindi Botha spoke to Leon Eksteen of Bufland Boerdery about choosing the right investments.

- Lindi Botha

FAST FACTS

A natural approach to farming has enhanced the sustainability of Bufland Boerdery.

Water and chemical usage has dropped by 25% and 10% respectively.

Healthier soil has resulted in healthier plants that can better withstand pests and disease.

“Don’t be the Kodak of farming,” says Leon Eksteen, CEO of Bufland Boerdery in Mookgophong, Limpopo.

Referring to the photography company’s inability to keep up with the times, which saw them lose their footing in the industry, Eksteen cautions farmers not to get stuck in an outdated mindset.

“We need to make sure that what we produce will have a market, which means we have to keep up with changes in consumer demand.

“Consumers don’t want to ingest chemicals, so we as farmers will increasingly be limited in what we can use. Farmers who don’t start finding ways to [work] without these chemicals will find themselves redundant,” he says.

The Eksteen family began shifting towards more natural farming practices in the early 2000s on their diversified crop, orchard and cattle farm. Although they have not made organic farming a specific goal, they are, nonetheless, putting more and more emphasis on reducing Bufland’s chemical footprint.