do these bother you?
- Are you facing persistent challenges with plant diseases and pests on your farm?
- Is soil degradation and poor soil quality affecting your crop yields?
- Are you looking for natural ways to improve plant health and resilience?
- Would you like to reduce your reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers?
- Do you want to build a farming system that supports biodiversity and ecological balance?
- Are you interested in techniques that enhance soil fertility and structure naturally?
- Do you want to increase your farm’s resilience to extreme weather conditions?
- Are you seeking sustainable practices that can improve your farm’s overall health and productivity?
MFK GARDENS - URBAN FARMER NURSERY
FARMERS' DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS: REGENERATIVE agriculture
All the principles of regenerative agriculture nourish biodiversity:
#1 reducing biological and chemical inputs to encourage a thriving biological ecosystem
#2 limiting soil disturbance with no-till or reduced till &
#3 keeping the ground covered all year round to encourage strong microbial activity
#4 ensuring living roots at all times
#5 managing rain and waste-water
#6 growing perennials
#7 integrating livestock, insects and diversity of plants
#8 making plant waste composts.
#1 reducing biological and chemical inputs to encourage a thriving biological ecosystem
#2 limiting soil disturbance with no-till or reduced till &
#3 keeping the ground covered all year round to encourage strong microbial activity
#4 ensuring living roots at all times
#5 managing rain and waste-water
#6 growing perennials
#7 integrating livestock, insects and diversity of plants
#8 making plant waste composts.
workshop participant testimonials
- "Every farmer needs to attend this programme.“
- "Science made easy for you to understand.“
- "I did not know so many important activities are happening within the soil, that with no added costs to our farms we can make our own soils fertile, plants healthier that resists disease and pests naturally and therefore are healthy.“
- "The eco-garden showcase was an eye-opener for me.“
- “Liked all of the topics but what blew my mind is understanding the ecosystems that restore control for us.”
Dear valued customers,
We are excited to announce upcoming workshop sessions designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in regenerative agriculture. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, this workshop is tailored to provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed.
Excessive tillage practices have led to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. Recurrent planting of the same crops on the same piece of land year after year has depleted specific soil nutrients so farmers must apply more chemical fertilisers to get a better yield.
Food crops produced using chemical fertilizers may not be as nutritious as they should be. This is because chemical fertilizers trade fast growth for health in plants, resulting in crops that have less nutritional value. Plants will grow on little more than NPK, but they will be missing or developing less of essential nutrients such as calcium, zinc, and iron. This can have a small but cumulative effect on the health of people that consume them.
Additionally, repetitive cropping patterns provide a continuous food source and habitat for pests and pathogens, leading to an increased reliance on pesticides, which not only drives up production costs but also poses a serious threat to biodiversity, ecosystems and food supply.
Farmers' growing focus on food security, driven by inconsistent rainfall and nutrient supply, can in turn lead them into another dangerous trap. This trap involves the widespread use of drought-resistant plants and crops. While these plants offer short-term relief in the face of unreliable weather patterns, they actually perpetuate and worsen* drought conditions. The reliance on these crops creates a vicious cycle, where the conditions they are designed to withstand become more prevalent, making these crops seem even more necessary.
This dependence diverts attention from regenerative agriculture practices, which could offer more sustainable solutions in the long term. As a result, the global agricultural community becomes increasingly distant from regenerative approaches, further entrenching itself in practices that may ultimately undermine the very goals of food security and environmental sustainability.
Farmers can see these are happening for them on their soils. They just often do not know where to turn to for help to reverse these effects and to improve their farm productivity.
WHAT IS REGENEARTIVE AGRICULTURE?
Regenerative agriculture (RA) — This approach, comprising a set of principles and practices, primarily revolves around soil health, crop diversification, water stewardship and biodiversity. It also promotes maintaining soil cover with mulch or cover crops, increasing organic fertilisation, disrupting weed cycles and encouraging crop diversity and crop rotations. Adopt these practices now — before it’s too late to safeguard your land’s productivity.
These practices enhance soil water retention and improve nutrient availability. By preserving the underground biological structures created by fungi, bacteria, and other soil microbes, significant above-ground benefits are achieved in return. This results in lower irrigation, fertiliser, and pesticide requirements.
Additionally, these eco-friendly practices restore biodiversity, improve ecosystem health, and remove more carbon from the atmosphere, thereby reducing global warming.
FOR CONSIDERATION:
RA holds immense potential to transform our approach to farming. However, limited access to technical know-how (e.g. zero-till drills and relay cropping - planting a new crop before the previous crop is fully harvested) and a general risk-averse approach further complicates the adoption of RA practices in a holistic way.
In accordance with RA principles, farmers should be encouraged to conduct soil analysis, apply organic fertilisers like farmyard manure and crop residue and cultivate crops specifically for green manure to enrich the soil and boost organic matter contents.
With Botswana facing severe water scarcity, effective water stewardship is imperative. This includes improving water-use efficiency and minimising farm-level water conveyance losses.
Workshop Details: Topic: Soil Health Workshop as part of our Regenerative Agriculture programme
Date: See details on flyer (see below)
Time: See details on flyer (see below)
Location: MFK-Gardens Nursery Learning Center, Plot 1888 Ledumadumane (opposite Pula Spar).
During this interactive workshop, you will have the opportunity to:
The regenerative agriculture workshop we offer addresses several urgent pain points, including:
TO REACH US:
To secure your spot and learn more about the workshops, please visit http://www.myfarmhousekitchensbw.com/ farmers_workshop.html. We are located at Mmopane, along the Spar Highway stretch.
For inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at 73961421. Let's grow a regenerative revolution, one workshop at a time!
Sow the seeds of change with us,
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support, and we appreciate your participation.
MFK-Gardens Farmers' Learning Centre
Website: http://www.myfarmhousekitchensbw.com/farmers_workshop.html
App: +267-73961421
We are excited to announce upcoming workshop sessions designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in regenerative agriculture. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, this workshop is tailored to provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed.
Excessive tillage practices have led to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity. Recurrent planting of the same crops on the same piece of land year after year has depleted specific soil nutrients so farmers must apply more chemical fertilisers to get a better yield.
Food crops produced using chemical fertilizers may not be as nutritious as they should be. This is because chemical fertilizers trade fast growth for health in plants, resulting in crops that have less nutritional value. Plants will grow on little more than NPK, but they will be missing or developing less of essential nutrients such as calcium, zinc, and iron. This can have a small but cumulative effect on the health of people that consume them.
Additionally, repetitive cropping patterns provide a continuous food source and habitat for pests and pathogens, leading to an increased reliance on pesticides, which not only drives up production costs but also poses a serious threat to biodiversity, ecosystems and food supply.
Farmers' growing focus on food security, driven by inconsistent rainfall and nutrient supply, can in turn lead them into another dangerous trap. This trap involves the widespread use of drought-resistant plants and crops. While these plants offer short-term relief in the face of unreliable weather patterns, they actually perpetuate and worsen* drought conditions. The reliance on these crops creates a vicious cycle, where the conditions they are designed to withstand become more prevalent, making these crops seem even more necessary.
This dependence diverts attention from regenerative agriculture practices, which could offer more sustainable solutions in the long term. As a result, the global agricultural community becomes increasingly distant from regenerative approaches, further entrenching itself in practices that may ultimately undermine the very goals of food security and environmental sustainability.
Farmers can see these are happening for them on their soils. They just often do not know where to turn to for help to reverse these effects and to improve their farm productivity.
WHAT IS REGENEARTIVE AGRICULTURE?
Regenerative agriculture (RA) — This approach, comprising a set of principles and practices, primarily revolves around soil health, crop diversification, water stewardship and biodiversity. It also promotes maintaining soil cover with mulch or cover crops, increasing organic fertilisation, disrupting weed cycles and encouraging crop diversity and crop rotations. Adopt these practices now — before it’s too late to safeguard your land’s productivity.
These practices enhance soil water retention and improve nutrient availability. By preserving the underground biological structures created by fungi, bacteria, and other soil microbes, significant above-ground benefits are achieved in return. This results in lower irrigation, fertiliser, and pesticide requirements.
Additionally, these eco-friendly practices restore biodiversity, improve ecosystem health, and remove more carbon from the atmosphere, thereby reducing global warming.
FOR CONSIDERATION:
RA holds immense potential to transform our approach to farming. However, limited access to technical know-how (e.g. zero-till drills and relay cropping - planting a new crop before the previous crop is fully harvested) and a general risk-averse approach further complicates the adoption of RA practices in a holistic way.
In accordance with RA principles, farmers should be encouraged to conduct soil analysis, apply organic fertilisers like farmyard manure and crop residue and cultivate crops specifically for green manure to enrich the soil and boost organic matter contents.
With Botswana facing severe water scarcity, effective water stewardship is imperative. This includes improving water-use efficiency and minimising farm-level water conveyance losses.
Workshop Details: Topic: Soil Health Workshop as part of our Regenerative Agriculture programme
Date: See details on flyer (see below)
Time: See details on flyer (see below)
Location: MFK-Gardens Nursery Learning Center, Plot 1888 Ledumadumane (opposite Pula Spar).
During this interactive workshop, you will have the opportunity to:
- Gain in-depth knowledge about regenerative agriculture techniques. Have farmers to think of soil health beyond soil physical and chemical to include soil biology.
- Learn practical strategies and techniques from industry experts.
- Participate in hands-on activities and exercises to reinforce your understanding.
- Network and engage with like-minded individuals.
- Ask questions and receive personalized feedback from our knowledgeable instructors.
The regenerative agriculture workshop we offer addresses several urgent pain points, including:
- Soil Degradation: Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring soil health, which is crucial for sustainable food production. The workshop likely teaches methods to improve soil fertility and structure.
- Climate Change: By promoting practices that increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the workshop addresses the urgent need to mitigate climate change impacts.
- Biodiversity Loss: Regenerative agriculture supports biodiversity by encouraging diverse cropping systems and habitat restoration, which are likely covered in the workshop.
- Water Management: Efficient water use and management practices are critical in regenerative agriculture, helping to address water scarcity and pollution issues.
- Food Security: By improving the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems, the workshop aims to enhance food security for communities.
- Farmer Livelihoods: Teaching sustainable practices can help farmers reduce input costs, improve yields, and enhance their economic stability.
TO REACH US:
To secure your spot and learn more about the workshops, please visit http://www.myfarmhousekitchensbw.com/ farmers_workshop.html. We are located at Mmopane, along the Spar Highway stretch.
For inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at 73961421. Let's grow a regenerative revolution, one workshop at a time!
Sow the seeds of change with us,
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support, and we appreciate your participation.
MFK-Gardens Farmers' Learning Centre
Website: http://www.myfarmhousekitchensbw.com/farmers_workshop.html
App: +267-73961421
PROGRAMME OUTLINE & SCOPE:
HOW TO FIX A BROKEN ECO-SYSTEM:
LEARN TO HARNESS NATURE'S ABILITY TO REGENERATIVE ITSELF TRIGGERED BY BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY*
THE EIGHT PRINCIPLES OF SOIL REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE / BUILDING THE ECOSYSTEM
USEFUL VIDEO LINKS
For Farmers: Kiss the Ground (NETFLIX) / Soil Matters / "Dirt" A documentary about saving our soil.
For Farmhands: "I can sleep when the wind blows."
* Also referred to as Biodynamic Farming. Biodynamic plants are grown in the ground in living soil, which provides a quality of health and nutrition not possible with chemical fertilizers or hydroponic growing. Biodynamic farms aspire to generate their own fertility through composting, integrating animals, cover cropping, and crop rotation.
LEARN TO HARNESS NATURE'S ABILITY TO REGENERATIVE ITSELF TRIGGERED BY BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY*
THE EIGHT PRINCIPLES OF SOIL REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE / BUILDING THE ECOSYSTEM
USEFUL VIDEO LINKS
For Farmers: Kiss the Ground (NETFLIX) / Soil Matters / "Dirt" A documentary about saving our soil.
For Farmhands: "I can sleep when the wind blows."
* Also referred to as Biodynamic Farming. Biodynamic plants are grown in the ground in living soil, which provides a quality of health and nutrition not possible with chemical fertilizers or hydroponic growing. Biodynamic farms aspire to generate their own fertility through composting, integrating animals, cover cropping, and crop rotation.
PARTICIPANT REACTIONS TO THE WORKSHOP:
- "Science made easy for you to understand.“
- "I did not know so many important activities are happening within the soil, that with no added costs to our farms we can make our own soils fertile, plants healthier that resists disease and pests naturally and therefore are healthy.“
- "The eco-garden showcase was an eye-opener for me.“
- Liked all of the topics but what blew my mind is understanding the ecosystems that restore control for us.”
Program Overview:
Topics Covered:
Course Methodology:
Instructors:
Benefits:
Requirements:
Contact Information:
Additional Information:
- Regenerative agriculture is an evolution of conventional agriculture that of from competing against to partnering with nature.
- Objectives and goals of the program: The workshop while based on permaculture is intended for large-scale horticulture production and presents showcases of how the principles were adapted in our own production centre.
Topics Covered:
- How to increase biomass, biodiversity, capture and store energy and how to increase necromass.
- Key topics such as understand soil is a living organism, rain-water & grey water management, lunar & constellation planting, companion planting, compost-making.
Course Methodology:
- Course notes provided.
- Trainer will guide participants through the notes.
- Self-reading is expected.
- Discussions, case study analysis, role plays, personal and group exercises.
- Q & A sessions.
Instructors:
- The presenter, Ms Sheila Damodaran is renowned in national strategy development global circles and is the owner of the MFK-Gardens Horticulture Seedlings Production Centre.
- She has adapted the programme based on the principles of Systems Thinking to suit the local agricultural production context.
Benefits:
- The practice helps farmers reduce the use of water and other inputs, and prevent land degradation and deforestation. It protects and improves soil, biodiversity, climate resilience and water resources while making farming more productive, profitable and to add, peaceful.
- The training will improve farmers skills and understanding of building ecosystems at a large-scale.
Requirements:
- The program is intended for farm leadership.
Contact Information:
- For more information: https://www.myfarmhousekitchensbw.com/regenerative_farming.html
- To book: Call or WhatsApp 73961421
Additional Information:
- Participation Certificates. Brunch provided.
Course Fee: P600 per participant.
PRINCIPLE |
INTENTION |
PRINCIPLE |
ACTION |
#1 INCREASE BIOMASS |
STABILIZE THE SOILS |
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PLANTING PIONEER SPECIES |
USE OF GROUND COVER |
MULCHED* |
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LIVING ROOTS AT ALL TIMES |
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#2 CAPTURE & STORE ENERGY |
WATER INFILTRATION |
RAINWATER COLLECTION |
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CONSTRUCT SWALES* / CONTOURS |
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- |
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#3 INCREASE BIODIVERSITY |
GROW PERENNIALS |
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INTEGRATE INSECTS, BIRDS, ANIMALS AND FISH |
ROLES & USE OF BENEFICIAL INSECTS (ladybird beetle eating aphids, wasps laying eggs in caterpillars) WAYS TO ATTRACT THEM TO YOUR FARM KNOW YOUR PESTS & RID PESTS NATURALLY |
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#4 INCREASE NECROMASS |
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PLANT TEA MAKING |
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PRODUCE NO-WASTE |
RECYCLE |
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REDUCE |
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REUSE |
urban farmers regenerative farm training programmeS
MFK GARDENS FARM FARMERS' TRAINING PROGRAMME. BOOK YOUR COURSE.
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PRE-SESSION VIEWING & READINGS
workshop: how to be A REGENERATIVE FARMER
-"how you too can LEARN TO sleep when the wind blows!"
Both farmers and farm hands assist with the daily work on farms including tending to crops. You’ll help out with a range of tasks to keep the farm operating and your typical day will probably vary depending on the time of year. Your daily work will depend on the type of farm you’re working on but it might involve things like operating farm machinery, putting up fencing, doing repair work around the farm or feeding livestock. You might be involved in irrigating, fertilising or harvesting crops, moving animals to different areas of the farm, fixing and maintaining equipment or looking after the health of livestock.
Being a Farmhand is a very physical job. You’ll work hard and probably have long days in all sorts of weather conditions. You’ll need to like being outdoors and be able to handle manual labour and heavy lifting. You’ll need to be skilled in operating a range of farm machinery and be very comfortable working with animals.
LEARN TO:
Being a Farmhand is a very physical job. You’ll work hard and probably have long days in all sorts of weather conditions. You’ll need to like being outdoors and be able to handle manual labour and heavy lifting. You’ll need to be skilled in operating a range of farm machinery and be very comfortable working with animals.
LEARN TO:
- Understand the science of how crops grow and flourish without the use of fertilizers and pesticides
- What to do to ready the soil for the plants
- Recognise there are no short-cuts or room for heroes (this causes us to use chemicals on our soils)
- See the non-obvious, that not all what we see is what matters. That consistent daily actions prepares the farmhand to grow the soil, the plants and the land he takes care of.
- Take care of seedlings provided by MFK-Gardens Urban Farmer Nursery
- Enjoy practical work
Unlearn The Ways We Destroy The Land We Walk And Depend On
Instead, Appreciate That We Too Can Learn to Teach The Land To Regenerate Itself.
The solution to climate change & human health starts right here.
Personal Development Classes - Travel Courses - Team Building Classes
Systems Thinking As it Applies to Agriculture In Reversing Soil Degradation.
Instead, Appreciate That We Too Can Learn to Teach The Land To Regenerate Itself.
The solution to climate change & human health starts right here.
Personal Development Classes - Travel Courses - Team Building Classes
Systems Thinking As it Applies to Agriculture In Reversing Soil Degradation.
Soil Health Workshop by MFK-Gardens Nursery
Regenerative Farming Programme
For millions of years, the soil has taken care of itself.
Today, given the crisis we are in, we must harness the regenerative power of Earth itself.
When we take care of the soil, the soil will take care of us.
Regenerative Farming Programme
For millions of years, the soil has taken care of itself.
Today, given the crisis we are in, we must harness the regenerative power of Earth itself.
When we take care of the soil, the soil will take care of us.
“Regenerative agriculture implies more than just sustaining something but rather an active rebuilding or regeneration of existing systems towards full growth and health. It also implies an open-ended process of ongoing improvement and positive transformation.”
Charles Massy. Fifth generation farmer, scientist, pioneer in regenerative agriculture and
Author of 'Call of the Reed Warbler'.
Charles Massy. Fifth generation farmer, scientist, pioneer in regenerative agriculture and
Author of 'Call of the Reed Warbler'.
Soil Biological Fertility
What are soil organisms, how do they help soil fertility? Soils are alive! A variety of soil organisms live in the soil. These include bacteria, fungi, microarthropods, nematodes, earthworms and insects.
Soil Chemical Fertility
Which elements are essential for plant health, and which may be toxic to plants? Soil chemistry is concerned with the availability of elements for plant uptake as well as the presence in soil of elements and chemical compounds that might be present at levels that are detrimental to plants and soil organisms.
Soil Physical Fertility
How do soil physical properties affect water movement and nutrient uptake through the plant roots? Physical properties and processes of soil affect soil fertility by altering water movement through soil, root penetration of soil and waterlogging.
Without the first type of fertility, the other two types do not occur naturally within the soil. The soil does not become dirt. It remains sandy.
What are soil organisms, how do they help soil fertility? Soils are alive! A variety of soil organisms live in the soil. These include bacteria, fungi, microarthropods, nematodes, earthworms and insects.
Soil Chemical Fertility
Which elements are essential for plant health, and which may be toxic to plants? Soil chemistry is concerned with the availability of elements for plant uptake as well as the presence in soil of elements and chemical compounds that might be present at levels that are detrimental to plants and soil organisms.
Soil Physical Fertility
How do soil physical properties affect water movement and nutrient uptake through the plant roots? Physical properties and processes of soil affect soil fertility by altering water movement through soil, root penetration of soil and waterlogging.
Without the first type of fertility, the other two types do not occur naturally within the soil. The soil does not become dirt. It remains sandy.
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UNLEASH THE POWER OF GENERATIVE FARMING!
Transform Your Soil, Transform Your Harvest!
Everyone calls it Regenerative Farming. We call it Generative Farming.
Discover the essence of Generative Farming — it's not just about regenerating the land; it's about instilling a mindset, a sustainable habit that becomes an integral part of your farming journey.
Generative Farming transcends the idea of a one-time re-generative effort. It’s about cultivating habits that seamlessly integrate into your faming routing, like a rhythm that enhances both your land and your harvest.
Are you ready to embark on a journey that will revolutionize your farm? Introducing our Generative Faming Campaign – a groundbreaking approach to cultivate healthier soils, boost plant immunity, and naturally combat pests and diseases.
Why Generative Farming?
Nourish Your Soil: Generative farming isn’t just about crops; it’s about cultivating a thriving ecosystem beneath the surface. By nourishing your soil with regenerative practices, you create the ideal environment for robust plant growth.
Build Plant Immunity: Strengthen your crop’s natural defences! Generative farming techniques work hand-in-hand with nature, enhancing the resilience of your plants. Say goodbye to synthetic pesticides and hello to a vibrant, disease-resistant harvest.
Combat Pests Naturally: Break-free from the cycle of chemical interventions. Generative farming encourages a balanced ecosystem where beneficial insects and microbes become your allies in controlling pests. It’s nature’s way of maintaining harmony.
Our Program Offers:
Workshops and Training: Dive deep into the principles of generative farming through interactive workshops. Learn practical techniques that you can implement on your farm.
Consultation Services: Tailored advice for your farm. Our experts will assess your land, provide personalized recommendations, and guide you on your journey towards regenerative success.
Resource Hub: Access a treasure trove of resources — from insightful articles to practical guides. Stay informed and empowered as you transition to generative farming.
Community Support: Join a network of like-minded farmers. Share experiences, seek advice, and celebrate successes as part of our vibrant generative farming community.
Transform Your Soil, Transform Your Harvest!
Everyone calls it Regenerative Farming. We call it Generative Farming.
Discover the essence of Generative Farming — it's not just about regenerating the land; it's about instilling a mindset, a sustainable habit that becomes an integral part of your farming journey.
Generative Farming transcends the idea of a one-time re-generative effort. It’s about cultivating habits that seamlessly integrate into your faming routing, like a rhythm that enhances both your land and your harvest.
Are you ready to embark on a journey that will revolutionize your farm? Introducing our Generative Faming Campaign – a groundbreaking approach to cultivate healthier soils, boost plant immunity, and naturally combat pests and diseases.
Why Generative Farming?
Nourish Your Soil: Generative farming isn’t just about crops; it’s about cultivating a thriving ecosystem beneath the surface. By nourishing your soil with regenerative practices, you create the ideal environment for robust plant growth.
Build Plant Immunity: Strengthen your crop’s natural defences! Generative farming techniques work hand-in-hand with nature, enhancing the resilience of your plants. Say goodbye to synthetic pesticides and hello to a vibrant, disease-resistant harvest.
Combat Pests Naturally: Break-free from the cycle of chemical interventions. Generative farming encourages a balanced ecosystem where beneficial insects and microbes become your allies in controlling pests. It’s nature’s way of maintaining harmony.
Our Program Offers:
Workshops and Training: Dive deep into the principles of generative farming through interactive workshops. Learn practical techniques that you can implement on your farm.
Consultation Services: Tailored advice for your farm. Our experts will assess your land, provide personalized recommendations, and guide you on your journey towards regenerative success.
Resource Hub: Access a treasure trove of resources — from insightful articles to practical guides. Stay informed and empowered as you transition to generative farming.
Community Support: Join a network of like-minded farmers. Share experiences, seek advice, and celebrate successes as part of our vibrant generative farming community.
SESSION TRAINER AND FACILITATOR:
Ms Sheila Damodaran is renowned globally in The Fifth Discipline circles as systemic strategist, researcher and trainer on the five disciplines and trains core leadership of government and sectoral agencies working on persistent issues.
She is also the owner of the food manufacturing organisation here, she has setup in Botswana. She is the lead designer of the training programme.
For more information check her at https:// www.linkedin.com/in/sheilasingapore/.
Ms Sheila Damodaran is renowned globally in The Fifth Discipline circles as systemic strategist, researcher and trainer on the five disciplines and trains core leadership of government and sectoral agencies working on persistent issues.
She is also the owner of the food manufacturing organisation here, she has setup in Botswana. She is the lead designer of the training programme.
For more information check her at https:// www.linkedin.com/in/sheilasingapore/.
FARMER INSPIRATION: FARMER GABE BROWN
Gabe Brown of Brown's Ranch in Bismarck, ND, shares his transformative journey of cultivating his farm from modern conventional use to a thriving living ecosystem. Through no-till and extensive cover crop usage, Gabe and his family are able to support a diverse array of farm and ranching enterprises that are both profitable and models of sustainability in regenerative agriculture. Learn more at www.brownsranch.us.
He speaks to the five tenets of soil health:
For his video series on Treating the Farm as an ecosystem, click here.
He speaks to the five tenets of soil health:
- No mechanical disturbance
- Armor on the soil surface
- Cycles water
- Living Plant-root networks
- Nutrient cycling via biology
For his video series on Treating the Farm as an ecosystem, click here.
PROGRAMME RESOURCE MATERIALS
WHY REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE?
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What is Regenerative Agriculture?
“Regenerative Agriculture” describes farming and grazing practices that, among other benefits, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity – resulting in both carbon drawdown and improving the water cycle. "If you’ve never heard about the amazing potential of regenerative agriculture and land use practices to naturally sequester a critical mass of CO2 in the soil and forests, you’re not alone. One of the best-kept secrets in the world today is that the solution to global warming and the climate crisis (as well as poverty and deteriorating public health) lies right under our feet, and at the end of our knives and forks."
-Ronnie Cummins, Regeneration International Steering Committee Member https://regenerationinternational.org/why-regenerative-agriculture/ |
The loss of the world’s fertile soil and biodiversity, along with the loss of indigenous seeds and knowledge, pose a mortal threat to our future survival. According to soil scientists, at current rates of soil destruction (i.e. decarbonization, erosion, desertification, chemical pollution), within 50 years we will not only suffer serious damage to public health due to a qualitatively degraded food supply characterized by diminished nutrition and loss of important trace minerals, but we will literally no longer have enough arable topsoil to feed ourselves. Without protecting and regenerating the soil on our 4 billion acres of cultivated farmland, 8 billion acres of pastureland, and 10 billion acres of forest land, it will be impossible to feed the world, keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, or halt the loss of biodiversity.
How does it work?
When a farmer practices regenerative soil farming, they reduce their need to react and fight pests and plant diseases. In this programme, we work with farmers to learn what it takes to build the ecology - a set of interdependencies of animals, insects, plants, wastes, and water management systems that stop these problems from recurring or even happening. This is because every aspect is intended to ensure that the plant's immunity is operating at its optimum peak. When plants are healthy, they are able to defend themselves against pests and diseases without the need for man to get involved.
The key to regenerative agriculture is that it not only “does no harm” to the land but actually improves it, using technologies that regenerate and revitalize the soil and the environment. Regenerative agriculture leads to healthy soil, capable of producing high quality, nutrient dense food while simultaneously improving, rather than degrading land, and ultimately leading to productive farms and healthy communities and economies. It is a dynamic and holistic, incorporating permaculture and organic farming practices, including conservation tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, composting, mobile animal shelters and pasture cropping, to increase food production, farmers’ income and especially, topsoil.
Importantly, learn how nature, the soil, micro-organisms, insects, water, sun, and the constellation planets works together naturally to improve each others success in the eco-system. Learn to draw lessons you can use in your team. This makes it a great corporate team-building programme.
HOW TO FORM YOUR OWN CLASS:
choose your date
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Option #1:
Option #2:
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FOR JOINING INSTRUCTIONS, CLICK HERE.