Steward ’s Post

Regenerative Agriculture: Minimizing Tillage Operation for Sustainable Potato Planting. How can we prepare the ground for potato planting while minimizing the number of tillage operation? Understanding the need to reduce tillage operation is crucial. With each tillage operation, the soil structure is disrupted, soil quality and biology diminish, carbon is released into the atmosphere, and soil erosion risk escalates. Thus, avoiding unnecessary tilling is paramount. Traditionally, our approach involved tilling the soil using a moldboard plow in late fall or before the onset of winter, followed by two passes of the harrow in spring before planting potatoes, totaling three passes. How can we streamline this process to just one tillage pass? Consider planting annual cover crops such as Sudan sorghum, peas, beans, pearl millet, brassica, etc., in spring or later and mow them before they reach seed maturity. Cease mowing as late fall approaches, as frost in New Brunswick will naturally terminate these crops. At this stage, refraining from tilling the ground is advisable; instead, await the following spring. On the day before or on the same day as potato planting in spring, perform a single pass with a chisel plow, then plant the potatoes. In this demonstration, we utilize the John Deere Karat 10, renowned for effectively preparing the soil for potato cultivation. By employing this method, you've reduced the tillage passes to just one. A large number of our growers, including Alyre and Paul Poitras, are very innovative and have been implementing these regenerative practices over time, doing very inspiring work. This not only conserves resources and finances but also rejuvenates the soil, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, it helps produce the best quality food and preserves ecosystems. The selection of cover crop species depends on many factors, so please choose them wisely for your area to maximize their benefits. At the Farm of the Future, any operation we do, our tractors or equipment travel on designated permanent tracks (control traffic system), ensuring minimal soil compaction and further promoting sustainable land management practices. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated and adapt Farm of the Future team for their successful implementation of regenerative practices. Safety comes first for our team! #McCainFarms #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableAgri #CarbonSequestration #ClimateMitigation #FieldPreparation #RegenerativePotato #SafetyFirst

So, what is regenerative agriculture? Simply put, it is a holistic, principles-based approach to farming and ranching that seeks to strengthen ecosystems and community resilience regardless of whether practices are organic or more conventional. Why is it important? It helps improve soil health; the foundation for successful farming, according to my late father, begins.

Inside a high-tech greenhouse, operations unfold with precision and innovation. Automated systems regulate temperature, humidity, and lighting to optimize plant growth. Sensors monitor soil moisture levels and nutrient concentrations, ensuring precise irrigation and fertilization. Advanced hydroponic or aeroponic systems deliver nutrients directly to plant roots, maximizing efficiency and yield. Robotics assist in planting, pruning, and harvesting, reducing labor and increasing productivity. Climate control systems adjust ventilation and CO2 levels, creating an ideal environment for photosynthesis. Data analytics and AI algorithms analyze conditions in real-time, enabling proactive adjustments to enhance crop quality and quantity. Overall, the greenhouse operates seamlessly as a sophisticated ecosystem where technology converges to foster sustainable and high-yield agriculture.

Large scale food production in Sweden.

In the quest for sustainable agricultural practices, farmers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to boost yields while minimising environmental impact. Dolomite, a mineral found abundantly in nature, is emerging as a game-changer in this regard. Lime Sales (Pty) Ltd, nestled in the heart of Moorreesburg, Western Cape, is at the forefront of supplying high-quality dolomite products to the agricultural sector. In this blog, we delve into how dolomite contributes to eco-friendly agriculture, particularly in the realm of grain farming. Read more in our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/dErbX7-j #LimeSales #Dolomite #EcoFriendlyAgriculture

🌱🌿 Revolutionizing Agriculture: VGROW HEXA vs Traditional Farming 🌱🌿 🌍 Embracing sustainable farming practices is no longer just an option; it's a necessity. With VGROW HEXA, we're leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future. 🌿 Here's how VGROW HEXA stacks up against traditional farming methods: Space Efficiency: VGROW HEXA saves a staggering 98.3% of space compared to traditional land farming, using just 1 sqft to grow 60 plants, while traditional farming requires 60 sqft for the same yield. Water Conservation: By recycling 95% of water, VGROW HEXA significantly reduces water usage compared to traditional farming, which often experiences water runoff of up to 90%. Fertilizer Management: VGROW HEXA recycles 95% of fertilizers, minimizing waste and environmental impact, unlike traditional farming, where fertilizers often leach into the soil and water systems. Pesticide-Free: With VGROW HEXA, toxic pesticides become a thing of the past, ensuring a safer, healthier environment for both consumers and growers. High Yield: Achieving a remarkable harvest rate of 95% to 100%, VGROW HEXA outperforms traditional farming, where yields can range from 50% to 60%. Minimal Soil Usage: VGROW HEXA utilizes just 0.1% of soil, with organic matter constituting 65%, while traditional farming relies heavily on soil, leading to degradation and loss of arable land. Energy Efficiency: Each VGROW HEXA tower consumes just 133W of power, contributing to energy conservation and sustainability. 🌳 Moreover, VGROW HEXA demonstrates impressive environmental benefits: CO2 Absorption: A single HEXA tower can absorb an average of 7.8kg to 15.7kg of CO2 per year, comparable to the CO2 absorption of a mature tree 21.77kg to 31.5kg per year. O2 Release: Similarly, each HEXA tower releases an average of 7.8kg to 15.7kg of oxygen per year, akin to the oxygen output of a mature tree. 🌿 To offset 1 tonne of CO2 per year, VGROW HEXA requires only 62 to 92 towers, compared to 31 to 46 trees planted, with grow times of 30 days for HEXA versus 3650 days (10 years) for trees. 👉 Join us in revolutionizing agriculture and building a sustainable future with VGROW HEXA! #SustainableAgriculture #VerticalFarming #EnvironmentalImpact #Sustainability #VGROWHEXA

🌱 The Need for a New Approach in Agriculture 🌱 Conventional farming methods have long relied on viewing soil as a mere means of production, often leading to soil degradation through excessive chemical use, monocultures, and heavy tillage. Yet, soil is more than just a resource—it's a living ecosystem teeming with microbes that are vital for healthy, resilient food systems. With the rise of Climate Smart Agriculture, Regenerative Farming, Permaculture, and Natural Farming, there’s a powerful shift toward treating soil as a sacred foundation of life. Each of these practices emphasizes sustainable, soil-centered farming to create lasting food security without compromising our ecosystems. 🧪 However, as beneficial microbial inoculants flood the market, we must ask: Are these solutions truly sustainable? While some strains may boost productivity, they risk overshadowing native soil microbes and disrupting soil health. ✨ The true path to sustainable agriculture lies not in short-term fixes but in honoring traditional knowledge—a legacy of soil stewardship that has sustained communities for generations. 📖 Join the conversation! Follow my Substack for in-depth insights into sustainable agriculture and soil health. Together, let’s rethink how we grow our food to secure a healthier future for all. 🌍 👉 https://lnkd.in/eJ6p2tWP #SustainableAgriculture #SoilHealth #RegenerativeFarming #NaturalFarming #TraditionalKnowledge #SoilEcosystem

Can we farm without fertiliser? 🌱 The South Otago dairy farmer Mark A. is making an impact by replacing chemical fertilisers with compost, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendly practices and soil health. He is focused on restoring as much life and diversity to the land as possible and says the benefits to the entire farm and his own well-being are evident. Research led Mark and his wife Madelaine to regenerative agriculture, and they have never looked back. One of the first things to go was the fertiliser silo in the farmyard. This inspiring move towards regenerative agriculture highlights the benefits of compost in agriculture. 🐄 Many of the farming practices that have become normal work against the conditions required to sustain life and health. Synthetic fertilisers damage soil biology. Mark Anderson’s story is a great example: YES, we can farm without fertiliser. Read more of Mark’s story here: https://lnkd.in/gdXpfVMt Explore more about farming without fertiliser here: https://lnkd.in/diR4y-eE #RegenerativeFarming #EcoFriendly #Compost #DairyFarming #GreenAgriculture #Ata

The Ultimate Guide to Building a Termite Farm https://lnkd.in/db28EeWk In the realm of sustainable agriculture and environmentally-conscious food production, termite farming has risen as a forward-thinking and eco-responsible endeavor. Despite their common perception as nuisances, these diminutive insects possess the potential to serve as a valuable asset in generating nutritious sustenance and playing a part in fostering a more environmentally friendly Earth. This all-encompassing manual aims to lead you through the process of constructing your personalized termite farm, shedding light on the advantages, obstacles, and the promising market prospects that lie ahead.

Mulching is an integral part of regenerative farming. In fact, here at Kib's Place Farm, we would not be able to maintain our practice of not tilling the soil without keeping it covered. Mulch keeps soil moist in dry weather. It acts like an insulating blanket, preventing the soil from extremes of temperature. Under cover of mulch, soil macro- and micro- organisms thrive. It also allows the soil to maintain it's fine tilth. In the picture below, you can see some lovely kale. Under the kale, I have used two types of mulch: * Ordinary organic mulch using plant waste materials * Living mulch which consists of bean plants. The plants will form a mat that shields the ground below. They are a suitable companion plant for the kale. Moreover, beans are light feeders and enhance soil microbiology population to a greater extent than kales, which, being heavy feeders, generally deplete soil