Livestock can turn orchard vegetation from a weed problem into feed, fertility and biological activity, but integrating animals into permanent crops is rarely simple. At Goedemoed in South Africa’s Keisie Valley, grower JP de Villiers has been testing sheep, pigs and chickens as part of a broader soil-restoration strategy.
From bare soil to managed ground cover
The 83-hectare fruit and wine-grape business includes apricots and plums. After struggling with low yields and high inputs, de Villiers began focusing on year-round cover, living roots and greater plant diversity. He progressively reduced herbicide use and then stopped it for three years, accepting that the orchard floor would need active management rather than remaining bare.
Sheep became the main grazing tool. Dorpers did not suit the system, while Dohne Merinos performed better. De Villiers reported that previously compacted areas became greener and produced more plant material after repeated grazing. He also compared a reported R50,000 livestock loss with an herbicide bill he believed would have exceeded R100,000, illustrating both the potential saving and the real cost of experimentation.
Different animals for different jobs
Pigs were trialled against persistent bindweed, while about 350 chickens were used to scratch through orchard residues and eat pests. Plans to expand the flock came with practical problems, including predators and animal losses. Fencing, labour, crop protection, water and the timing of grazing all become part of the agronomy.
This is one farmer’s evolving case study, not proof that mixed livestock will replace herbicide safely or profitably in every orchard. Its value is the honest combination of observations, failures and adjustments. Small trials and careful monitoring are essential before animals are introduced across valuable perennial crops.
Read the original report: Farmers Weekly South Africa.