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 »
October 4th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
An agricultural system that is dependent upon petrochemicals is absurdly vulnerable as peak oil approaches. Smart operators, the world over, have recognised this vulnerability and are seeking to reduce their reliance upon oil. The focus changes from oil to soil as growers come to recognise that their chemical approach has been self perpetuating. The more you use, the more you lose and the higher your requirement for chemical intervention.In contrast, a biological approach involves ever reducing inputs as the biology kicks in. (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture, Farming Techniques, Nutrient Strategies | 10 Comments »
September 24th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
In part one of this article entitled, “De-Stress or Die Young”, we identified a range of key stressors and this segment will explore strategies to successfully address each of those issues. (more…)
Posted in Human Wellness | 3 Comments »
September 24th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
In part one of this two-part article, we will look at the profound effects of stress upon both mind and body and in part two I will suggest a gameplan for proactive stress management. As I travel around the globe, I am frequently amazed at the scale of stress that we have created in the brave new world we inhabit. I often ask my audiences this question; “How many amongst you can honestly say that you do not feel low levels of anxiety more often than you would like?”. In a crowd of 200 there will usually be just a couple of hands raised. I am sure that if I had posed that same question 100 years ago, most of the hands would have lifted. (more…)
Posted in Human Wellness | 3 Comments »
August 28th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
Eating your way to health and longevity will outperform supplements because superfoods contain all of the co-factors and synergists that ensure maximum nutrient performance. Supplements will always be a poor substitute for real foods, but what is “the real thing”? No it’s not cola with your burger and chips. Here are some genuine “defence foods” that we could all embrace as an inexpensive, but highly effective, wellness strategy. (more…)
Posted in Human Wellness | 4 Comments »
August 27th, 2010 by Graeme Sait
Ten years ago, author/consultant, Graeme Sait, researched and developed the first Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture course and, along with a team of highly credentialed Agronomists, presented the information to a group of fifty farmers. Since then this four day learning opportunity, supported by a 360 page manual, has gone on to become the leading course of its type in the world. Thousands of growers and consultants have now been trained in four continents and the accolades have been many. The former head of the USDA organic division has referred to it as “the best course I have ever attended” and the CEO of Woolworths in South Africa has called it “essential training for all food producers on the planet”. Attendees regularly rank it at 10/10 on their post course evaluation forms and this unique educational event is invariably sold out at every sitting. (more…)
Tags: biological farming, farming course, organics, sustainable agriculture
Posted in Biological Agriculture | No Comments »