Page 33 - referenceguide6th_web

SOIL HEALTH IN PRACTICE - REAL SOLUTIONS FROM REAL FARMERS

roots enables the crops to penetrate acid subsoil and enable spiral in this agricultural ecosystem,” reflects Di Haggerty.
positive regeneration. These roots and associated microbi- Ian and Di are confident that their products are superior to
ology hold the soils together, improve soil structure, air and those produced by conventional agriculture using chemical
water penetration. The improved soil carbon levels then fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides. They go on to say, “We
enable this water to be retained in the soil for longer peri- can consistently demonstrate that our produce, be it grain,
ods along with nutrients to be available for plant growth. meat, or fiber, is free from these chemicals. We also believe
Crop quality is checked by periodic testing of tissue nutri- that our produce has greater nutritional and microbial di-
ent levels, which the Haggertys find more reliable measure versity. We have established that there is a market for pro-
then soil testing. duce that can demonstrate sound ecological rejuvenation,
high animal, plant, soil health outcomes and ultimately
human health outcomes.” A growing number of consumers
are seeking such products as the awareness of how purchas-
ing decisions can influence planetary health is increasing.
Photos by Ian and Di Haggerty market place creating a niche similar to organic.
True ecological value is beginning to be factored into the

As with any growing enterprise, there are obstacles. The
Haggertys have limited infrastructure and capacity to seg-
regate their products in the logistic chain that transports

suing solutions as they believe that the value of identity
Grazing the produce from the farm to the consumer. They are pur-
Once grain is harvested, the stubble of the crop grown in preserved products will justify the required infrastructure
this high microbial environment provides nutritious graz- investments. An exciting relationship has evolved with an
ing fodder for their Merino sheep. Enhanced microbial ac- artisan flour miller/baker in Perth who is sourcing grain
tivity in the soil, and the use of specially-bred sheep as the from the Haggerty farm to supply flour, sourdough bread,
“farm machinery” has improved soil function, structure, and various pastries to customers and restaurants.
and water-holding capacity and continues to value-add to Future Goals
the productivity of the landscape. In due course, remnant Ian and Dianne plan to continue to expand and demon-
stubble is trampled down and is digested by fungi to add strate the power of natural intelligence agriculture, while
to the organic carbon in the soil. The cycle is completed also helping other farmers do the same. They are working to
with the return of nutrients and microbes to the soil via establish the logistic chain for a segregated market initial-
the sheep manure and urine. The sheep thrive on cereal ly for grain, meat, and wool and also are developing part-
stubble and native shrubs and grasses as their rumen flora nership ventures to add value to their products. They also
is totally adapted to maximizing nutrient extraction from hope to reintegrate indigenous culture and knowledge of
roughage. The livestock do not receive any grain supple- land management, bush foods, and medicines. An on-farm
mentation. “Our sheep have developed into hardy, effi- research and education center to allow people to see, dig,
cient producers with minimal artificial support and highly
adapted to our local environment. The cropping and hay taste, and experience natural intelligence food where they
production contrib- are produced is also a planned venture.
ute to our production
of premium wool and
lamb, but the sheep are
playing their part in
fertilizing the land and
working the soil for
us. Enhancing animal
health and soil health
conjointly facilitates
a positive epigenetic

33