Harvesting the Sun - an important video from Ragmans Farm 

 

 

The first video in English of Jairo Restrepo, a world expert in Biofertilisers and soil regeneration, filmed at Ragmans Lane Farm. 

Jairo talks about the wonders of cow manure, soil microbes, trace elements, and their link with increased soil, plant and human health. 

He describes industrial agriculture as a 'dishonest agriculture' robbing us of our health and proposes an alternative productive approach harnessing the power of biological mineral ferments which will allow all of us to grow cheap organic food through enhanced photosynthesis -  by Harvesting the Sun.

We made this video because we believe that the work of Jairo Restrepo, long recognised in South America, is relatively unknown in the UK.  There is plenty of material on the internet of him teaching in Spanish, but very little in other languages, so we filmed an interview with him last summer and have edited it down for release. 

He is a leading teacher and practitioner in the application of technologies such as bokashi, biofertilser, native microbe ferments and the use of trace elements for soil bioremediation. These enable farmers at any scale to produce the fertility they need within their own farms and gardens. He teaches at Ragmans once a year in the summer, leading students through the science of his techniques, and also making about 15 different preparations.

His book The ABC of Organic Agriculture is a classic and has recently been translated into English, and is available through the website.

We believe that mineral and biological ferments could have a enormous impact in revitalising our soils and consequently our health. Juanfran Lopez researched the use of these products at Ragmans.  Further information about this work can be found here in the section describing our approach to Organic Agriculture. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Singing Retreat in the Wye Valley

    The Singing Retreat in the Wye Valley is a singing holiday that will run from Friday evening 24th May until Monday 27th May Bank Holiday.

    The earth will be warm so come and sing the summer in with your hearts and voices!

    Over the long weekend, we will be singing a glorious array of four part harmony songs, ranging from uplifting Gospel, shape note, folk, contemporary and world music – all beautiful songs taught by ear so that there is no need to read music.

    The singing will be led by Sheila Tang, an inspiring choir and workshop leader who has many years’ experience of facilitating great singing from even the most inexperienced singers in a fun and joyful way.

    There will also be early morning yoga before breakfast for those who fancy some bodywork and invigorating stretches, and a whole camp ceremony on the Sunday. Feel free to bring your musical instruments for jamming sessions in the evenings.

    The workshops will take place in a light and airy wooden floored hall. There is plenty of space to camp or to bring your live-in vehicle, or if you'd prefer to sleep indoors, the 'Bunkhouse' has beds in shared dormitory rooms.

    There is also a chill out space for evening gatherings. All the indoor spaces have heating and open out onto the farm land, which has orchards, a lake and beautiful views of the Wye Valley.

    Friday is setting up day, where you can arrive and enjoy the idyllic surroundings. The retreat starts with evening dinner at 7pm. Delicious, home cooked meals are provided from Friday evening until Monday lunchtime. This will be a wonderful few days of singing, jamming, celebration and community in beautiful surroundings.

    Please contact Sheila Tang if you're interested in booking a space for this singing holiday, and also if you’d like to book a dormitory bed.

    Previous camps have sold out early, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

    Prices are £185 camping, £210 bed in a shared room, inclusive of all food and refreshments from Friday eve to Monday lunchtime.

     

    ffi email sheilatang68@hotmail.com

    Or visit the website, please CLICK HERE
     

     


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