On pasture-based farms, the roughage grown on pastures is the predominant feed source. It is therefore most beneficial to grow and utilise these pastures effectively.
The rainfall in South Africa has been so sporadic that we can’t continue putting all our eggs in this basket. Is the desalination of seawater a possible solution?
Alien invasive plants are a huge threat to water security, and therefore sustainable agriculture. By clearing alien invasive plants, not only are we making more water available, but the opportunity to explore other industries exist.
I think many people have been sceptical of the idea that dairy farms could possibly be carbon neutral, but this data shows that this is actually possible. This is a massive positive impact! The theory is being put into action.
Representetives from Boointjieskraal, Pennisands and Rheebokrant Farms
The truth is, we have been caught in a vicious circle and no one wants to concede. In isiZulu, there is a saying “Omunye ukhomba omunywe esweni, omunye uvikela iso lakhe” loosely translated it means, one points fingers at everybody else but themselves.
There is a lot more nutrient cycling taking place than just what is put into the soil through fertiliser, and taken out in grass and eventually milk. In order to develop a more efficient nutrient cycling system, farmers have to take into account the various losses and sources of nutrients.
This is part of the reason why Trace & Save initiated the carbon farming project. It is a central place where information on sustainable farm management can be transferred, a place where the commonality is caring for our soils and their health. Caring for our soils is caring for the future.