Growing nutrientdense vegetables using regenerative farming

Gert Janse van Rensburg produces vegetable crops on the family-owned farm, Langplaas, in North West. He spoke to Pieter Dempsey about the regenerative farming techniques he employs.

- Gert Janse van Rensburg

FAST FACTS

Gert Janse van Rensburg, a successful commercial vegetable producer, follows regenerative farming principles.

He emphasises that farmers should aim to build up the soil rather than break it down.

Regenerative agriculture can takes years to refine, but offers great rewards when carried out correctly.

Gert Janse van Rensburg is the co-managing director, along with his twin brother Peet, of Langplaas Boerdery, situated near Brits in North West. Third-generation farmers, the pair grew up on the farm, and today produce a variety of vegetables on 1 000ha under irrigation, following regenerative farming principles.

Janse van Rensburg’s passion for regenerative agriculture was sparked by the work of pioneers of the method, such as Allan Savory, Gabe Brown, Gary Zimmer, John Kempf and Ray Archuleta, and he has followed this approach ever since joining the family farming operation in 2006.

He stresses that a functional and vibrant ecosystem is important for soil fertility, and farmers need to understand how this system works.

When the brothers switched from traditional farming practices (chemical fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and excessive tillage) to regenerative agriculture, they didn’t fully understand the processes involved, but they could see a change for the better.