February 1st, 2011 by Graeme Sait
1) Build CaBSi Into Every Program – No, I’m not suggesting that you offer more support to the taxi industry! It’s about a trio of key minerals that should be an integral part of your crop nutrition. Calcium (Ca) boron (B) and silicon (Si) are synergists and together they represent proactive cell strengthening that will reduce both disease and insect pressure. The two minerals that can effectively create a protective barrier (a strong cell wall) are calcium and silica and both of these minerals need boosting in most of the crops with which we work. The key to harnessing their protective power is boron (more…)
Tags: growing tips, sustainable agriculture
Posted in Biological Agriculture | 2 Comments »
February 1st, 2011 by Graeme Sait
The spectre of global warming often evokes images of widespread drought but this is not the case. The predictions have always been for changes in precipitation. Some areas will receive more rainfall and others less. Unfortunately, the major broadacre cereal belts around the globe seem destined to become drier while many tropical and subtropical regions will become much wetter. In my region of SE QLD we have had the wettest year in recorded history and the torrential rain continues unabated amidst widespread flooding (an area the size of Germany and France combined, is currently underwater). (more…)
Tags: climate change, sustainable agriculture
Posted in Biological Agriculture | 2 Comments »
February 1st, 2011 by Graeme Sait
This is a new column in the e-mag based upon my constant search for humour to include in my seminars. Those of you who have attended these events will know that I try to combine inspiration and education with humour in an attempt to inject some oxygen into overworked brains. Some of my jokes can be a challenge for the faint hearted but they are funny if you share my weird sense of humor. In each Nutrition Matters I will include my favourite for that month and this may involve rewriting of the joke and a little embellishment. (more…)
Tags: laughter
Posted in Human Wellness | No Comments »
January 31st, 2011 by Graeme Sait
We are excited to launch two new ORGANIC products in our home garden range. These Backyard products are simple to use, cost effective and will provide visible results. If you are a keen gardener and have been looking for an optimum organic fertiliser then the Backyard products are ideal. (more…)
Tags: garden fertiliser
Posted in Biological Agriculture | 4 Comments »
January 31st, 2011 by Graeme Sait
It is a common misconception that any increase in sustainability will inevitably involve sacrifice, with the assumption that it will cost more or yields will fall! However thousands of farmers around the globe have proven that what is best for the planet is also best for the pocket. Cutting edge biological strategies are delivering the ultimate win/win. You can build humus and reduce chemical inputs while increasing production and profitability by working with nature rather than against her. (more…)
Tags: sustainable agriculture
Posted in Biological Agriculture | No Comments »
November 10th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
Heinz and Angela Gugger proved to be perfect candidates to embrace and benefit from the biological approach. They had not farmed prior to their current enterprise so the had no pre-existing paradigms to shift. They attended the NTS four day Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture course several years ago, liked what they heard and applied the principles to their farm. Mary Valley Orchards has gone on to become a showpiece of biological orchard management and this week they won the Sunshine Coast Environmental Council award for sustainable agriculture at a ceremony affectionately called “The Froggies”. (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture, Business Concepts | 9 Comments »
November 8th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
In part one of this series I looked at some of the costly mistakes associated with the soil. In this second installment, the emphasis is upon the growing crop and how to avoid those profit sucking shots in the foot. (more…)
Tags: sustainable farming
Posted in Biological Agriculture, Farming Techniques, Nutrient Strategies | 4 Comments »
October 29th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
Biological agriculture differs from conventional organics in that organics is often about a great list of what you are not allowed to do but there is very little emphasis upon what you should be doing to increase crop quality and yield. The biological approach, however, is all about things you can do to improve productivity and profitability. In this context, my articles usually focus upon positive strategies and their rationale. However, this is the first in a series of three articles where we will look at negatives in the hope that this information may serve to help you avoid some of these mistakes. We will look at blunders in soil and crop management and we will also consider business blunders in your sustainable farming enterprise. There are obviously a whole suite of potential mistakes, but I have identified the most costly of these. Here are seven soil scenarios to avoid where possible. (more…)
Tags: sustainable farming
Posted in Biological Agriculture | 6 Comments »
October 25th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
The Radiance Wellness Festival continues to inspire, educate and entertain Woodford patrons. This unique learning experience has now become one of the leading health festivals in the world, attracting total crowds in excess of 16,000 people over the six-day program. (more…)
Posted in Human Wellness | 7 Comments »
October 6th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
A large part of the Plant Management segment of our four day, Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture course is dedicated to demonstrating the use of a range of in-field diagnostic tools. These include a range of pocket tools for immediate feedback and a novel use of conventional leaf analysis. Together, we call this approach, Plant Therapy. These tools can prove invaluable aids but it must be made clear that they should never serve as a substitute for informed observation and hands-on participation in the growing process. (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture, Farming Techniques, Nutrient Strategies | 2 Comments »