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Botterbaksgat Farm

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Commenced:	01/11/2012
Submitted:	18/05/2013
Last updated:	07/10/2015
Location:	Riversdale Road F48-F49, Riversdale, Western Cape, ZA
Climate zone:	Semi Arid

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Botterbaksgat Farm

Riversdale, ZA

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Turning Permaculture into a business

Project: Botterbaksgat Farm

Posted by Steven Lauwers about 10 years ago

We have been working hard to establish a working permaculture environment on our farm and the results are becoming increasingly visible. The next step in our adventure is to establish a business that allows us to generate an income from our efforts. That

After 2 years of building, restoring, planting and caring, we are now ready to start enjoying the results of this hard work. Through the creation of Infinity Farm (www.infinityfarm.co.za) we hope to be an example for the farming community to show that by working with nature instead of against it, farming can become a more profitable business while still conserving natural ecosystems. Our main goal is to set the standard for ecological and ethical farming that still makes economic sense for the farmer. Our pastures contain over one hundred different indigenous edible plant species allowing the animals to have access to a wide variety of food, including the necessary medicins for their wellbeing. Keeping the animal count well below the carrying capacity, allows for a full recovery of the land (which could be considered a desert 2 years ago). Having the animals roam freely on the farm while still maintaining a bond with them by bringing them to the farmhouse for the night, allows us the foucs on the creation of our food forest. With a rocky limestone soil, it is not an easy task but the rewards are so good when you can harvest your dinner from just outside. Hugelbeds, raised beds, sunken beds, shrubs and trees are planted and taken care off. In the near future we are hoping to be able to sell the excess of vegetables and herbs on the lcoal marke and we may even start to set up a "pick-your-own" garden.

Even although we need to make a living and a lot of works needs to be done to get is organised which brings its ups and downs, nothing is more relaxing than observing the playing of our lambs which makes everything worthwhile.

Love and light to all.

Comments (3)

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Ute Bohnsack : Steven, it might be useful for you to look at Allan Savory's work on holistic management of grassland and livestock, if you haven't already. It might help you in your endeavour to restore grassland productivity. http://www.savoryinstitute.com/ Best, Ute

Posted almost 10 years ago

Basil Laleman : I think reading 'Restoration agriculture' by Mark Shepard could be highly usefull for your project! His ways of including livestock and restoring ecosystems at the same time are truely wonderfull! Keep up the good work!

Posted almost 10 years ago

Joe DiMeglio : Hi Steven, It sounds like you're doing a great job there and moving in the right direction. I jut saw this video that I think you will love. It's all about soil health and growing a diverse farm with animals incorporated and becoming more profitable than conventional chemical farmers. Cheers! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yPjoh9YJMk

Posted almost 10 years ago

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