Through co-operation and joining forces to hire a marketing agent, organic farmers groups can negotiate the prices they want. No longer are these farmers at the mercy of the market forces. With regular communication farmers benefit from the umbrella organization, Ofarm who co-ordinate a pool of supplies to create market strength. Farming Secrets encourages all farmers tojoin together to compete against the market rather than against each other.
As shown by a 13 year study, organic farming is not only more beneficial for the environment, it is also more profitable. The study compared organic farming to conventional mono cropping and came up with these findings. It supports our drive at Farming Secrets that all farmers seek ways for more sustainable farming for the benefit of all. Ask for our Free “Starter Tool Kit” by going to: http://www.farmingsecrets.com/ to find out more.
“Greenpeace Wrong About GM farming” is one of 2 letters in Opinion, Stock and Land, 2.4.09 p. 10
It is written to make 2 organic farmers who are going from town town with Greenpeace look like misinformed, ignorant farmers spreading mistruths GM. They are riding “side saddle …pump(ing)
out loads of misinformation about litigation-prone agribusiness, compensation, seed supplies and other bulldust”
The writer, Wayne McKay of Billimari, NSW, says that they are “trying to whip up a fever of bother about GM canola” His proof that they missed their mark is that 1000 farmers, up from 100 farmers last year, have turned a “deaf ear to the doomsayers” because “Guess what? Farmers see through such stunts” Wayne’s last comment that these 2 farmers “have only demonstrated that their opposition to GM technology is stronger that their knowledge of farming”.
It amazes me that Wayne hasn’t stopped to realise how illogical his claims are.
Firstly the 1000 farmers were always going to plant GM canola because they see it as their best way to farm profitably. They are unaware of the benefits of biological farming and know no other way to farm apart from getting rid of weeds - competition - and adding inputs to make plants produce.
Secondly why would 2 organic farmers spend their time going around to the towns to oppose GM? Organic farmers do not need GM technology to grow their crops without weedicides so maybe these 2 farmers are extremely concerned about the future for all of us if GM crops are widely grown. They know that there is a better, healthier way to farm because they know their soils and look after them.
I am extremely grateful that people do take the time out to get the information out there. Due to the huge influence that the big agribusinesses can exert on our governing bodies and the media, it is difficult for the ordinary bloke to access a balanced stream of information.
One excellent source of current information is to be found at: www.madge.org.au
On the weekend Hugo and I went to support Gerhard Grasser of Agrisolutions man his stand at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo. On Saturday Gerhard gave 2 talks about rapidly creating the soil recover due to drought and/or bushfires. During the 1st one he was interrupted several times by a man in the audience about reduced use of fertiliser in a biological farming system.
The man left early but appeared at his stand afterwards claiming in a loud voice that Gerhard was dishonest - nothing else - just dishonest. When I asked why, he had little to say except repeat his claims. When I asked again he said that Gerhard hadn’t detailed which soil testing labs. were independent but he said he knew that there was only one that was independent - Incitec!!!!! it was curious as he would not engage in discussion.
Hugo said that there was a similar incident on Sunday with another man just hanging around and proclaiming that Gerhard was dishonest.
On discussing it tonight Hugo thinks, and I agree, that both men were there to discredit anyone perceived to be a threat to chemical fertiliser companies. The 2nd man was touting how good GM cops were because they increased corn yields in 3rd world countries by 3%. Once again he would not engage in any discussion.
“Grain growers have been urged to plan a rust-management strategy in line with their crop-sowing plan for winter” The Weekly Times Feb 18th 09 p.35
This article caught our eye as it went on to give details of the varieties of wheat and triticale that were rust prone and suggests choosing newer varieties, particulary triticale, that would be less susceptible to rust.
Last year we were asked our advice on how to treat stripe rust on wheat. It was prevalent through the district. Our advice was to apply a biological spray along with canola oil.
Not only did this treatment stop the rust, it did not appear again and of course the spray had the side benefit of feeding the microbes!
We noted that his neighbour sprayed a chemical to stop the stripe rust and sprayed 3 times throughout the season doing much damage to his soil life!
Maybe all farmers need to do is change their farming methods and activate their soil life.
Hi to all our Farming Secrets members, organic and sustainable farmers, enthusiasts and any body in general with an interest in organic farming, sustainability and living in a better, cleaner and more natural world.
We have decided to launch a blog which reflects our interest and opinions on the things that matter most to us. We hope you will be a loyal subscriber and join our plight to promote all things organic and natural!
For more information about Helen and Hugo Disler’s farming club, visit www.farmingsecrets.com
