Farming Methods

Plants grow themselves - I merely try to provide the best environment for the plants to grow in. I use regenerative and organic practices on the farm, and find that soil health is at the heart of what I do. One of my main goals in farming is to steward the ecosystem and whenua/land, leaving it in better condition than when I started.

Organics is much more than being “spray-free”, and encompasses the following IFOAM definition: “Organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic Agriculture combines tradition, innovation, and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and good quality of life for all involved.”

Regenerative Agriculture is similarly rooted in principles that largely promote soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. The tenets of soil health, according to the Rodale Institute and partners, includes: "builds soil organic matter, conservation tillage, cover crops, crop rotations, no synthetic inputs, promotes biodiversity, rotational grazing…"

Laughing Pukeko's farmlet is tiny by most agriculture standards: a mere 1/2 acre! I make every square meter count by intensively growing vegetables, using minimal tilllage, integrated pest management, and lots of hand work. Being present near the soil allows me to observe natural processes and then actively & thoughtfully engage with the ecosystem if need be.