Recently, I had the opportunity of attending the Groundswell 2024 regenerative farming event. It was not just an event, but an enlightening experience that stimulated my thoughts and broadened my perspective on modern farming practices.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly hearing John Kempf, a renowned figure in the field, speak. Although I was not familiar with his work, his insights allowed me to connect various dots from my own experiences, forming a more comprehensive picture of the agricultural landscape.
One particular slide during his presentation caught my attention. It read, “Foliar applied plant nutrition is 7x more effective than soil applied”. This statement resonated with me as I remembered that most of the world record cereal crops were achieved using foliar feeds. The implications are profound – imagine the potential cost savings and positive environmental impact if we could reduce our reliance on soil applications by 85%!
Since the event, I have delved deeper into the subject:
“The first priority of a successful foliar application is to increase photosynthetic efficiency. A foliar application that only addresses nutrient deficiencies and does not increase photosynthesis will not be nearly as effective as a foliar which does both. In fact, a foliar which does not increase photosynthesis can facilitate more efficient extraction of soil nutrients and increase soil degradation. Foliar design matters.”
What truly sparked my interest in regenerative agriculture was the realization that when we grow crops that are resistant to diseases, they also improve the health of the people and the livestock who consume these plants as food.
“This has been one of our foundational realizations: the majority of disease and insect problems are not caused by nutrient deficiencies but by the excesses of products farmers apply.”
Much of what John Kempf advocates is contrary to what we have been taught over the last 60 years. However, my observations confirm that he is on the right track. This has led me to embark on an exciting new journey, envisioning a future where crops are grown without excess fertiliser, minimal pesticides, and with increasing nutrient density.
I have seen people in my neighbourhood adopting his methods, and the results are promising. The crops and animals are healthier, and the farmers are happier.
If you are interested in discussing this further, please feel free to get in touch. This is just the beginning of a new journey in agriculture, and I am thrilled to see where it leads us. Let’s explore this path together, for a healthier and more sustainable future. Together, we can revolutionize the way we farm and consume, creating a better world for all.
