Farming is both an art and a science. It’s about understanding the land, predicting the weather (or trying to), and trusting your gut—oh, and also listening to your animals! Here at Gottesgabe Farm, we’ve learned that sometimes the best advice doesn’t come from books, but from watching our chickens race for cover before the first drop of rain hits. Below, we share five practical tips farmers use for better yields—along with a few funny stories from the barnyard!
1. Watch the Soil, Not Just the Skies
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful farm. Testing your soil regularly helps you know which nutrients it’s lacking, so you can amend it properly. Adding compost, manure, or organic matter keeps it rich and fertile. But here’s a little insider secret—our goats seem to know more about soil fertility than any lab report! When the goats start munching on the same patch of grass day after day, we know that soil is packed with nutrients.
2. Rotate Your Crops (and Your Sheep)
Crop rotation isn’t just something from your grandparent’s time. It helps prevent diseases, reduces pests, and keeps your soil healthier by giving it a break from growing the same thing year after year. But did you know that rotating your livestock can have a similar effect? Grazing sheep or cattle on your land can naturally fertilize your fields, giving the soil a nutrient boost.
3. Irrigation Hacks: Let the Ducks Show You the Way
Watering your crops can be tricky, especially in Namibia’s dry climate. Drip irrigation is one of the best methods for conserving water and getting it straight to the roots where it’s needed most. But who needs an irrigation system when you’ve got ducks? Our ducks have a talent for finding the wettest spots on the farm. If they congregate in one area, we know it’s time to check for leaks—or figure out where the water flow is strongest.
4. Companion Planting: Nature’s Matchmaking Service
Some plants just get along better together. Companion planting—like pairing beans with corn or marigolds with tomatoes—can boost your crop’s health and deter pests. But sometimes, nature knows best. We’ve had a few surprises, like the time the chickens kept scratching around the lavender patch. Turns out, the lavender kept bugs away from their coop!
5. Natural Pest Control (The Cat’s on Patrol)
Why reach for chemical pesticides when you can enlist a few furry friends? Cats are excellent at keeping rodents and small pests away from your crops. Our farm cat, Cat, has been keeping the barn pest-free for years. And for the bugs, we let the ladybugs and bees take the lead. They not only control pests but help with pollination, boosting those crop yields even further.
Farming isn’t just about techniques and tools; it’s also about observing, adapting, and sometimes laughing at the unpredictable nature of it all. Whether it’s the goats predicting which field will thrive or the chickens beating the weatherman at his own game, at Gottesgabe Farm, we’re always learning something new. With these tips (and a little help from your four-legged and feathered friends), you’ll be well on your way to better yields and a happier farm.
Happy farming—and don’t forget to ask your animals for advice!