Running a farm, particularly a large one, involves a long list of prerequisites that need to be met to make the operation effective. While there is usually no formula and one-size-fits-all guide that applies to every stage of farming, there are factors that can make a farm resilient and progressive. 

Leonie Agri Corporation (LAC) Farms, the largest certified organic farm in the Philippines to date, shared five things that play an essential role in their daily operations: 

Advanced technology. To boost crop yields and farmers’ income, LAC Farms employs advanced farming machinery and equipment that “reduces the impact on the natural ecosystem, human and animal health hazards, keeps agricultural production at a sustainable level, lowers the agricultural production costs, and improves soil health.”

This also comes with educating and guiding farm workers to adapt to modern tools and procedures, hence raising farm output and efficiency.

Market supply. LAC Farms also makes it a point to generate adequate market supply and to regularly adjust to the ever-changing consumer wants and needs, while also keeping tabs on global market trends. 

For transparency and in response to their consumers’ demand, they present nutritional facts and benefits that their products have to offer.

Rainwater and wastewater. The farm makes the most of its resources by using rainwater and wastewater (obtained from washing the farm’s raw materials) for crop irrigation.

Ruminants. A valuable investment that LAC Farms President and CEO Antonio Causing highlighted is goats. Diversifying the farm system with livestock, according to him, can add a boost to the farm’s economy, environmental health, and biodiversity. 

“ Goats often fit well into the biological and economic niches on a farm that otherwise go untapped. Goats can be incorporated into existing grazing operations, and they can also be used to control weeds to make use of a pasture’s diversity.”

LAC Farms allows goats to graze on the farm area where Napier grass is planted. They also feed them with malunggay, madre de agua, and ipil-ipil.

When it comes to ensuring the overall condition of the animals, they seek help from a third-party veterinarian. 

Organic practices. As a certified organic farm, LAC Farms follows organic processes, including vermicomposting, which naturally gives the soil the nutrients it needs to grow healthy plants. The byproduct, or worm tea, is used as natural fertilizer directly sprayed on plants for faster growth. 

While these fundamental elements keep the farm running smoothly today, many other factors contribute to its continued success. 

Read more: The largest certified organic farm in the Philippines was once called “cursed land”

Photo courtesy of Leonie Agri Corporation 

For more information, visit LAC Farms

Read more about farming and gardening at agriculture.com.ph