BUILD A REGENERATIVE COMMERCIAL FARM!
WEEKEND CLASS IN MAY 2025
TO JOIN THE WHATSAPP SIGN-UP GROUPS, MESSAGE 73961421 OR CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KHPRHfYU0Sf5o3TZ8kyO36
Regenerative Agriculture IS Science!
Join our signature workshop and learn how to restore soil health, manage water efficiently, control pests naturally, learn to build composts, and design a productive farm that thrives for long-term success.
Lesson Scope:
- Eight principles that restore & ecosystem management. Use of live showcases of the principles at work at the Centre.
- Stabilize soil health & microbial development
- Water Stewardship
- Animal & Beneficial insects integration
- Harness lunar and constellation planting calendar to give the roots and plant growth the best chance to succeed.
- Harness the weather for plant health
- Pests and Disease Bio-dynamic controls
- NEW: Horticulture Production Guides
- NEW: Farm Designing (bring land topography map)
- NEW: Post-session mentorships
Perfect for: Southern African executives & professionals looking to diversify into *agri-business, expand **horticultural ventures, or tap into the **export market*.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Aspiring & Established Farmers
- Agribusiness Entrepreneurs
- Cooperatives & Farming Organizations
For information on definition and global evolution of regenerative agriculture practices : https://podcasts.apple.com/br/podcast/regenerative-farming-and-food-what-does-it-mean/id342927791?i=1000694453126
Dates: Weekend Classes (Saturday & Sunday) - Details on the flyer
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:* Mmopane, 5 min drive from Spar
Fee: P500 (Includes lunch & certificate)
Trainer: *Ms Sheila Damodaran, Owner MFK-Gardens Centre, Managing Directors of Pinnacle Foods and STRLDi
PARTICIPATION FEE & DISCOUNTS:
- Two-days (8 AM – 5 PM) – P500
- Bring-A-Friend Deal: 5% OFF
- Form-A-Group (4 participants): 10% OFF
- With less than 5 Participants: P600
WHAT'S NEW?
- Horticulture Production Guide Sheets
- Farm Designing – Bring your *land topography map
- Post-Session Mentorship – Get support after the workshop
BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW!
WhatsApp: +267 73 961 421
Follow us on:* [https://www.facebook.com/MFKGardensTheUrbanFarmerCentre] | [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/105444380/admin/dashboard/]
MFK-Gardens The Urban Farmer Learning Centre (5 min from Spar Highway, MMopane) Registration form sent on forwarding your enquiry. Joining instructions and manual will be sent on payment,
#RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #Agribusiness #SustainableFarming #MFKGardens #CommercialFarming #FarmDesign
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 Farmers / Gardeners: 35 Amish Vegetable Gardening Hacks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
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 Farmers / Gardeners: 35 Amish Vegetable Gardening Hacks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
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:
Duration:
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
- Post-session mentee development planning guide
Duration:
- 2 days 8 am to 6 pm
- Registration Starts: 7:30 AM
Workshop Begins: 8:00 AM
Workshop Adjourns: 6:00 PM
- 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. Includes Lunch and certificate of participation.
Course Fee: P500 per participant.
PRINCIPLE |
INTENTION |
PRINCIPLE |
ACTION |
#1 INCREASE BIOMASS |
STABILIZE THE SOILS |
Value |
GET TO KNOW YOUR SOIL WHAT IS YOUR SOIL STRUCTURE? THE JAR TEST - DIY DECODE YOUR SOIL TEXTURE |
PLANTING PIONEER SPECIES |
USE OF GROUND COVER |
MULCHED* |
|
|
|
||
LIVING ROOTS AT ALL TIMES |
|||
#2 CAPTURE & STORE ENERGY |
WATER INFILTRATION |
RAINWATER COLLECTION |
|
CONSTRUCT SWALES* / CONTOURS |
|||
- |
GET TO KNOW YOUR LAND EXERCISE - LEARN TO APPLY THE 8 PRINCIPLES |
||
#3 INCREASE BIODIVERSITY |
GROW PERENNIALS |
||
ROLES & USE OF BENEFICIAL INSECTS IN PEST BIO-CONTROL (ladybird beetle eating aphids, wasps laying eggs in caterpillars) WAYS TO ATTRACT BENEFICIAL INSECTS TO YOUR FARM KNOW YOUR PESTS & RID PESTS USING ORGANIC PESTICIDES |
|||
#4 INCREASE NECROMASS |
|||
PLANT TEA MAKING |
|||
PRODUCE NO-WASTE |
RECYCLE |
||
REDUCE |
|||
REUSE |
urban farmers regenerative farm training programmeS
MFK GARDENS FARM FARMERS' TRAINING PROGRAMME. BOOK YOUR COURSE.
|
|
|
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
“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.
|
|
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?
|
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.
