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  • From: <permed@nor.com.au>
  • To: <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [permaculture] Pasture Renovation and Fertility
  • Date: Thu, 8 Aug 02 10:55:37 -0000

hi Frank - been following this thread - there's many who share the same
dilemma as you and not only those aspiring to pc. I've found it's an all
too common situation of (city) folk buying land that's too much to cope
with - too much land to manage and not the resources (skills, machinery,
labour and capital) to really make it work. A frequent error is buying
cheap land (large acerage at low per acre cost) often marginal or
degraded, and/or remote from markets and service centres. Generally one
should anticipate spending the equivalent of the cost of the land on it's
development but few calculate that into the equation when purchasing the
rural dream that can too easily become an ovewhelming nightmare.

As a consultant I am regularly faced with this issue when asked to look
at land, and have often advised folk to seriously reconsider their
situation and explore options including selling and buying something
smaller, less fraught with problems and more achievable in terms of the
resources they have to invest, in which case it should not be seen as a
failure but a valuable lesson gained as to the reality of land ownership
and farming aspirations. I also advise doing a PDC before looking for
land so that one's eyes are more discerning regarding the implications
and potential (positive and negative), the 2 weeks and cost of a course
can save many thousands of dollars down the track and can be the best
investment one makes before taking on such a major committment.
Robyn

>However there are major considerations that often seem to be omitted.
>
>First do you have any idea of the labor, and time involved in collecting and
>moving tons of such debris on over 2 miles of fence. I spent 3 full days
>gathering and burning some of this, and it does not look like I've done a
>thing! And some of the stuff is far too large/heavy to move without tractor.
>
>Somehow ideas like creating swales; moving dirt which seem so worthwhile
>require far more labor/time than the available labor(me) can supply:) Even
>with machinery if I had all the machinery I could use. he he
>
>I realize since most of the stuff is downed wood, often rotted and laden
>with
>fungi, critters,twigs, branches,downed trees,stumps etc that it is a
>valuable
>resource. But I don't know how to practically get it where needed. I even
>considered cutting up larger stuff but that would take days. Plus I have no
>need for firewood, and selling stuff that neighbors often get free is not
>likely.
>
>Renting a heavy duty shredder is also not kind to the pocketbook, and again
>requires too much labor in simply gathering it even if it were all somehow
>piled right next to the machine.
>
>I realize that your comments were just top of mind. But I find that often PC
>is laced with such seemingly good ideas. However, now that I've finally left
>the city to start life on the farm. I'm finding PC, sustainable ag far more
>difficult to APPLY on the farm than I'd imagined, especially without lots of
>help.
>
>There's only so much a man can do...and it's not the type of stuff you
>invite
>friends over to do! Besides I'm considered a "furiner( local speak for
>foreigner) down here, and don't have any kin, or folks I can count on.
>
>I've come to realize why so many farmers down here have big trucks, and lots
>of machinery. A trap that I'd hope to avoid. Tough getting around that
>though
>on a farm of size. Of course that was my choice...but somehow as a city
>fellow lots of acres don't make that much of an impression.
>
>And I need to make this farm, and acreage pay for itself. I opted to lead
>the
>simple life, spending little to stretch out limited income. So far I have
>spent a lot more than I anticipated. Could haunt me down the road.
>
>However, the place is relatively free and clear so my equity has gone up.
>The
>saving grace is that I can probably solve most needs by taking home equity
>if
>needed.
>
>Never a dull day though:) Sometimes I yearn for days where I can just get
>out
>in the woods for walks, observation etc.
>
>Got to go! Thanks. Frank




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