Mayfield farm, the living land, has always been focused on using practices which work with nature and not against nature. From the way the roads and drains were first put into the farm in the 1940’s, a conservation mind set has always been the driving force. Sustainable farming, also known as sustainable agriculture, is a farming system that aims to meet the world’s food needs while protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of farmers and communities. There has recently been a shift in thinking that it is small farming communities that sustain feeding the world, through developing and keeping things local. It focuses on long-term sustainability and seeks to minimize the negative impacts of conventional farming practices. Loving your local farmers can go a long way in supporting them to keep growing food and other valuable crops for our communities!
Key Principles of Sustainable Farming:
- Environmental Stewardship: Sustainable farming prioritizes the conservation of natural resources like soil, water, and biodiversity. At Mayfield we are humbled by the role of stewardship and the responsibility for caring for the land so that it may be loved and utilised for future generations. It involves practices such as:
- Crop rotation: Alternating crops to improve soil health and reduce pest and disease pressure. On Mayfield we have crops like the American Sweet Potatoe with the deep orange flesh, as well as the humble Madumbi which is part of the yam family. These crops are grown each year in different fields.
- Cover cropping: Planting cover crops to protect the soil from erosion, add organic matter, and suppress weeds. Some examples of crops such as Black Oats and Sunflowers which are planted in a fallow field to feed the microbes and not to leave soil exposed to the elements as this is when soil erosion occurs.
- Conservation tillage: Minimizing soil disturbance to reduce erosion and conserve moisture. Much of the work on the farm is still carried out by hand where possible and the integrity of the soil structure is always an important consideration.
- Integrated pest management (IPM): Using a combination of biological, cultural, and chemical controls to manage pests and diseases. On Mayfield, due to the organic status for the Tea Tree and Macadamia crops, the use of chemicals is very limited. The only chemical input on the whole of Mayfield is occasionally a herbicide to assist with the proliferation of a certain weed. However, over the years this input is reducing and the aim is that in the near future there will be no chemical input at all.
- Water conservation: Efficient irrigation techniques and water-saving technologies. We don’t need to irrigate as we are in a lovely mist belt and seem to have a lovely microclimate which is created through the farm itself due to the thick bush lines and a no-burn policy on the farm. The trash-blanket left in the field after harvesting the cane protects the soil and keeps in the moisture. Mayfield’s waterways are cared for and maintained to ensure excessive runoff from heavy rains is slowed down and has time to be absorbed into the soil without there being any soil erosion. The camber of the roads are also a vital part of ensuring correct water drainage. Much time is spent each year in maintaining and repairing all drains on the farm to ensure water is funnelled into the two small dams on the farm and into the streams.
- Economic Viability: Sustainable farming aims to be economically viable for farmers, ensuring fair prices for their products and long-term profitability. It may involve:
- Diversification: Producing a variety of crops or livestock to reduce risk and increase income. Mayfield has had to diversify over the last 20 years as the markets have changed and the challenges of farming have grown. As farmers we have to constantly be looking for opportunities to keep farming as a viable option.
- Value-added products: Processing and marketing products directly to consumers to increase profits. We love to support our neighbours who produce goods and we love to offer what we are doing to others. Hence the development of this website! Support your local farming family!
- Community-supported agriculture (CSA): Building relationships with local consumers to ensure a steady market. Our community is very important to us. We are involved in a number of projects in our area from the home for the mentally and physically disabled, to larger nation-building projects and involvement with local schools. Through these projects our connection to our local community has grown and deepened our love for our country and her people.
- Social Responsibility: Sustainable farming considers the social and ethical implications of food production, including:
- Fair labour practices: Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for farm workers. We face many challenges in this area and endeavour to ensure working on Mayfield is supportive and fair. Working hours are short, allowing staff to go home to work in their own fields. We encourage our staff to plant their own vegetables and many use some of the land near our sheds to do so. We have a seed project where we try to share seed and gather old seeds from the community. We encourage seed sharing and seed storage.
- Community development: Supporting local communities through job creation and economic development. Mayfield farm has always found ways in which to support our community. At times we have sponsored local soccer matches, sponsored sports-team uniforms, mowed grass on sports fields, advised and assisted with community gardens. It is something we all feel very strongly about – using our gifts and talents in service to others.
- Food security: Contributing to food security by producing healthy and nutritious food. This is our primary goal which is why encouraging vegetable gardens, seed sharing and seed storage is a vital part of Mayfield Farm.
Benefits of Sustainable Farming:
- Environmental respect: Having an ethic that truly values the land and its resources, protects biodiversity, and improves water quality.
- Improved Soil Health: Enhances soil fertility, building the soil profile, encouraging a rich soil-biome, reduces erosion, and improves water retention.
- Economic Sustainability: Provides long-term economic viability for farmers and rural communities.
- Social Well-being: Promotes fair labour practices, community development, and access to healthy food.
By adopting sustainable farming practices, we change the way we think about the land, about farmers, about the food we eat. It is about having a loving and respectful mindset towards the land. It is about humility and accountability. It is about gratitude and awe. It is about working with nature. It’s not about surviving but THRIVING.
Recommended reading:
Charles Eistenstien
Dr. Vandana Shiva
Look at Dr. Zach Bush’s website, it is truly inspiring: Dr. Zach Bush MD