Out & About in Darling, Western Cape

28 June 2023 

By Kyra Pienaar, AgriCarbon Account Manager 

On 28th June, I embarked on a trip to Darling in the Western Cape to visit Paul Basson in order to gain deeper insights into the regenerative practices being implemented on Uilenkraal. The purpose was to observe and understand various practices that are currently not reflected in our data entries. This visit provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the farm, its management, and Paul’s visionary approach, as well as the proactive steps he is taking to realize his vision.   

Paul graciously showcased all of the aforementioned aspects during the tour. I had the opportunity to witness ongoing field trials exploring the viability of reduced fertilizer usage and wider-scale inoculation. Additionally, I observed the innovative biogas production system that utilizes methane emitted during the creation of slurry for field fertilization. The introduction of new composting projects and the stimulating response of plant roots to mycorrhizal inoculation were also part of the experience. This trip highlighted the necessity of expanding our data capture to encompass these additional practices. It was truly inspiring to witness how one farmer successfully convinced his entire family to embrace regenerative methods.