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Agri Hour

Red grass across parts of the Free State failed to produce seeds this year

───   12:11 Fri, 16 Aug 2019

Red grass across parts of the Free State failed to produce seeds this year | News Article

The red grass (also known as Rooigras in Afrikaans) in parts of the Free State has not produced flowers or seed this season, which could have some worrying consequences.

 

This is according to Rick Dillon, a farmer and board member of the Grass-Fed Association of South Africa. 

Dillon says the fact that the growth point of the red grass species occurs above ground means it’s very susceptible to damage due to burning and frost. 

Bad farming practices and changing grazing patterns over the last 70 years have contributed significantly to the problem. 

The loss of red grass could mean a permanent loss of grazing and severe soil erosion. 

Dillon believes this is a wake-up call to farmers.  

Although this is a worrying situation, Dillon feels the fact that this problem is now receiving attention is a good thing. 

Dillon proposes a concept known as regenerative agriculture. 

He believes this concept could not only save the red grass fields but can be helpful in agriculture in general. 

In essence, the concept is very simple: Look after nature and nature will look after us. 

It demands a more ecologically-aware type of farming, especially in terms of the microbiology of the soil.

OFM News’ Vernon Baumann spoke to Dillon…



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