Larry Butler is an organic farmer of 15 years and in this video he discusses the organic farming and growing methods he uses on his farm, Boggy Creek Farm, in Austin Texas.

Larry explains that growing organic food is a lot more than just avoiding the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. A lot of his efforts go into bug (pest) control and he explains how he introduces “good” bugs to eat the “bad” bugs as a way of protecting his crops.

He admits that some years the pest problem can be severe and it’s hard to control but he points out that non-organic farmers using the pesticides still have problems with bugs and that chemicals are not the “panacea of farming.”

As a natural alternative to chemical fertilisers he uses feather meal, cotton seed meal, fish emulsion and seaweed. As another form of pest control he introduces flowers to the farm which grow alongside the crops. Flowers attract beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests.

He avoids using city water which contains harmful chemical such as chlorine and fluoride, he points out these chemicals are bad for the soil and particularly harmful to animal life.

So why is he an organic farmer? In his own words organic farming is safer, produces a healthier environment, and produces natural and organic food that is better for you because it provides better nutrition.

How many more reasons do you need?

Filed under: Organic Farming

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