The Problem: Compacted soils and run-off as a result of high intensive grazing and allocation of small paddocks. The soil structure had gone.
What Did Maurice Do?: In the mid 1970’s Rick started using the Yeoman’s plough with worked for about 4 years before soil started to become compacted again. So they reduced the tillage practised grazing for 7 years and cropping for 4. Then in 2000 they acquired knowledge. Firstly they attended an Arden Andersen course and then listened to others, above all trying to be practical, maintaining a cash flow and having a profitable gross margin while trying different approaches.
The Results: With a common goal of maintaining biodiversity, the Maurice’s have applied 2 systems. The regeneration of native grasses is there No. 1 focus within these systems. Firstly, they have taken up the practice of pasture cropping and secondly the practice of No Kill cropping. They now have a very flexible approach to cropping and grazing, have significantly reduced their costs and above all have a stable system. There is virtually no run-off unless they over graze which is rare. They can plan and look ahead with this shared vision of caring for the landscape. Angus is now part of a consultancy delivering 2 day lectures on these farming practices.
TALK THE WALK FOLLOW UP
Done watching the video?
Listen to the Follow up “Talk the Walk” Q&A Call Session
Hugo Disler interviews Angus Maurice with Maarten Stapper
“No Kill Cropping”
