56 | RURAL PEOPLE » Woodhouse Farm Organics Demeter certification bonus for farm Karen Phelps The important aspect of Joanne and Greg Turner’s cottage farming operation Woodhouse Farm Organics is it is biodynamic with Demeter certi cation. It was Greg that was initially drawn to biodynamics after seeing an episode of Country Calendar some 30 years ago featuring a farm using biodynamic principles and being impressed, among other things, with the root structure of the plants. When they purchased the farm where Greg grew up at Kairanga in the Manawatu in 1998 they immediately started farming it to the Demeter standard, becoming fully certi ed in 2001. So what is biodynamics? “It’s a method of organic agriculture taking a holistic view of the farm including the physical and nonphysical aspects and considering the farmer is as important to the growing system as the rest of the farm,” explains Joanne who is secretary of Demeter New Zealand. While some aspects, such as improving soil health, are becoming more commonplace in conventional farming, less tangible aspects, such as the effect the pull of the moon has on plants is distinctive to biodynamics. Joanne likens it to the effect the moon has on the tide and says the moon can also affect other watery substances such as plant sap. “Sap tends to rise with the pull of the moon and go back down when the moon descends. So if you sow seeds two days before full moon you get more of an upward pull on the growth,” she explains. The couple’s berry growing area is just one acre and produces raspberries, boysenberries and blackcurrants. They also have a mixed orchard and a small vegetable block, with poultry and cattle free ranging on multi-species pastures. Joanne takes on the main role with the operation with Greg working off-farm and helping out as needed. Wet winters and plagues of rabbits have reduced yields considerably in the past few years but Joanne says things are slowly starting to get back on track. She says there are many challenges facing small producers. “For example our transport company suddenly didn’t want to bother with us as we weren’t growing large enough volumes. So that led us to sell at markets in Palmerston North.” But the popularity of their produce has won many fans with some refusing to eat any other berries but theirs due to the superior taste, says Joanne. With aspects such as weeding completed by hand it’s a real labour of love and volunteers also help. “Ours is certainly a philosophical and idealistic business,” says Joanne. “Biodynamic farming builds on regular organic farm practices. By considering the emotional and spiritual aspects of farming, we add another dimension to the work we do on our land and the produce we deliver to customers. “We love building the local community with people helping out and selling at the local market. We do it because people appreciate our product and what we’re doing. I think generally we don’t value our food enough. Fresh food takes time to grow and is better for us from a health perspective. We love organic food and we love being able to provide it as fresh as possible for our customers.” “We do it because people appreciate our product and what we’re doing. I think generally we don’t value our food enough. Fresh food takes time to grow and is better for us from a health perspective. We love organic food and we love being able to provide it as fresh as possible for our customers.” Agriblend Fertiliser • Soil Testing & Fertiliser Recommendations Dicalcic Phosphate • Organics • Lime • LimeMag 0800 40 10 40 | www.rorisons.co.nz Proudly supporting Woodhouse Farm Organics Berry area with vegetable patch. Greg harvesting strawberries. Joanne with Demeter gate sign.
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