Sue and Andy Barratt’s energy, planning and hard work over the last 18 years have transformed their 42 acre “lifestyle block with a difference” on Apes Road south of Karitane into a productive wonder. Looking out over the property Andy commented, “Everything you see we’ve planted or done!” What started out as unimproved pasture now grows exotic and native trees for timber, heritage fruit trees, vegetables and berries. Their method of growing trees is continuous cover forestry, much like old English woodlands. A small number of trees are felled at a time with care to maintain the woodland. Their main income crop is garlic sold in lovely braided ropes in the late summer.
They describe their method of farming as organic working with the ideas of permaculture. Sue remembers that they didn’t necessarily start out to be organic growers but “once you start planting your own things it becomes obvious that you want to do it right”. Fruit tree orchards bloom, strawberry beds are well mulched, garlic fields are already growing well. New vegetable sections are standing ready for planting. Soil health is paramount. Using the principles of permaculture means that that everything on the farm is intentional; everything fits in with everything else. For example, the two donkeys, named Gorky and Mac, provide manure for the compost. Eventually Barratts plan to have a cow or two to provide enough milk for the household and surplus to provide high protein food for pigs.
Sue and Andy have developed their farm with a lot of thought. “We’ve had the freedom to develop it over time, because of holding other jobs along the way, and to trial things on a small scale before moving to the next step.” They belong to the Tree Crops Association and were preparing a new population of heritage fruit trees to be planted at the association’s tree “bank”. They also belong to Otago Organics and help others learn about growing food.
“Local food is about having local people grow food”, Andy remarked. “We are all learning more about this together. It is also about finding what foods grow well locally and capturing local knowledge. Properly grown food should be available to everyone”
Andy and Sue’s main cash crops are garlic, fruit and berries. Contact them: asbarratt@farmside.co.nz or 021-890-048
