Our Indian Runner Ducks
When we think of staff, we think of humans. People, of course, are an essential part of our team. We’d not be here bringing heritage to life without their critical skills, insights and commitment.
But when we talk about staff, we take a wider view. We’re also including our Indian Runner ducks, our Dexter cattle. Even our insectary plants and cover crops. They all play a vital role in our regenerative, mixed farming enterprise. Call it a closed loop, a virtuous circle or integrated pest management, we don’t mind how you choose to describe it. It’s letting nature take its course, well…naturally!
They eat the snails, the insects and the weeds in the vineyards and cover crops planted between the vine rows. They do the same in our glorious gardens and they forage for water weeds at the vlei. They lay delicious eggs too. Another big benefit is that they fertilise our soils.
They’re doing such an amazing job we now have other farmers asking us to breed ducklings for them. And we’re happy to do it.
Our ducks have a history of scoring very highly at the Western Cape Poultry Club’s annual show. In 2024, ducks from our farm took first and second place overall, while two other Indian Runner duck took first and second place in their respective categories.
So, you see, the ducks aren’t here just as an attraction. Although there’s that too. Come for a delicious breakfast or lunch at Geuwels, the Bertus Basson conceived casual eatery on our farm that celebrates local heritage tastes, or join for a wine tasting and platter at our Homestead. From here you can casually view the ducks as they waddle across the werf at 9:00 and 12:00 daily on their way to the vineyards, or to the dam for a swim.
Our Dexter Cattle
The Dexter cattle work just as hard as the ducks. They’re smaller than most other cattle, and are very hardy, efficient grazers (and that includes weeds). The treading of their hooves and their droppings of saliva, manure and urine are all very good for soil richness and structure. And when they eat the weeds, they also improve the air flow between the vines and grape bunches. That reduces the likelihood of fungus and other diseases. Plus, they eat grape “waste” – the skins and pips that remain after winemaking.
And the cover crops and other insectary plants? They attract pollinators, that do a very important job in promoting biodiversity and food security. The plants help to retain moisture in the soils when needed. The ducks keep the plants healthy by eating the insects that might otherwise harm them.
All in all, the ducks, the cattle and the plants promote soil health, enrich microbial soil communities, provide a carbon sink and fix the nitrogen in the soil. Thanks to their hard work we use less water and cut down massively on fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides.
It’s humbling to think just how important they are!
