Our farm is dedicated to breeding and training beautiful horses, who learn the disciplines of dressage and show jump. In the mornings, they train their skills either in the special arena, maybe in the pastures, even in the neighborhood. They enjoy their evenings in pastures that have a good relationship between grass and forest cover; the living barriers that surround the farm, protect them from strong winds, and improve the thermal sensation on hot days.
At Gone Away Farm International, we believe that sustainability is a very important concept for horse breeding, as well as an excellent route to enabling positive development for us and the environment. Therefore, we are pleased to share some of the eco-friendly practices that make our farm have that special touch of sustainability.
Taking as a guide the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and its Sustainable Agriculture Program, below we show our practices and the categories in which they are found:
Water quality/wetlands
Automatic dispensers
Water conservation and protection have become important parts of agricultural stewardship. We know that water is a finite resource and that its use must be adequate. Thinking about it, the farm has chosen to provide water to the horses inside the pastures by means of automatic water dispensers. This measure allows horses to satisfy their water requirements during the day and allows us to offer it at a point of equilibrium.
Crop/landscape diversity and Agroforestry
Growing a greater variety of crops on a farm can help reduce impacts from extreme climate changes, market conditions, and even some pest control. With a greater diversity of plants, such as trees and shrubs, it can contribute to soil conservation, small habitats for wildlife, and a considerable increase in beneficial insect populations.
Forest Curtains (Windbreaks)
Forest curtains are used to reduce wind speed by striking this with robust tree surfaces. On our farm, you can see rows of forest trees and shrubs, which together form a barrier. It has the main function of reducing wind speed and avoiding a significant impact on the well-being and health of our horses, in general keeps a microclimate pleasant for them. We also add its secondary function, but very important to create a little interrupted landscape; it allows wildlife species to inhabit the surroundings and certainly has a very positive impact on scenic beauty. An important aspect to consider is its contribution to reducing wind erosion.
Silvopastoril system
Its concept is basic "It deals with the integration of trees, pastures and domestic animals in a mutually beneficial way". The pastures of our farm fulfill their main role of providing food to the horses; the trees, on the other hand, contribute to maintain a stable microclimate and a thermal sensation that optimizes their well-being. We can add that trees are home to many squirrels, birds, and insects. So, it is always a spectacle to walk through the pastures where our horses enjoy their free time.
Alternative Marketing
Energy Supply with Solar Panels Supplying
This type of energy represents many benefits: it is a type of renewable energy, it does not generate an environmental impact or CO2 emissions, it allows autonomy of the local electrical configuration, and most importantly, it ensures long-term energy. In total, we have 21 panels that supply the farm facilities. This system has been in place for some years, which means it reduces our energy footprint significantly, as well as our dependence on fossil fuels.
Interns: Electric Car
Our farm has direct ties to the University of Ohio through the "The Ohio Program", so we always enjoy your help and dedication in all our activities. They can move from one place to another without using fossil fuels, this thanks to the purchase of an electric car. It appears to be one of the best options for reducing the carbon footprint, as there are no large emissions per transport category.
Correct Waste Disposal
While a small farm does not generate a high volume of waste, every grain of sand in this field counts. At Gone Away Farm, we dispose of manure in containers that are placed in areas intended for decomposition. For all other organic matter, we store it in small containers; when complete, we deposit it in a decomposition zone inside the farm.
Intergrated pest managment
The biggest problem encountered in our pastures has been the presence of unwanted herbs inside. One technique that besides being cheap, has given us many good results, is mowing the lawn. By mowing the lawn, we give a competitive environment favorable to our grass, and we disadvantage the growth of the herbs. Cutting pastures also has other benefits; it rejuvenates the phenological state of the grass and beautifies the environment.
Soil conservation and nutrient management
This concept is very important for our farm and addresses the set of practices applied to promote sustainable land use. Soil fertility is a vital factor for agricultural productivity, so maintaining this parameter is one of our long-term objectives. Some time ago, we planted Clover to improve the nutritional availability present in the soil. On the other hand, we have installed an erosion receiver; it is a section of our farm destined for the accumulation of soil and nutrients that, because of erosion, are lost. It works through a slope system and is currently one of the best ways to mitigate the impact of erosion on the soil.
Additionally, we perform soil analysis for our pastures. They are important because they help to understand the state of our pastures, as well as offer us an image of what to do to treat them effectively.
Rotational grazing
Rotating grazing is a system that involves the use of at least two pastures and allows "rotating" livestock between them, resulting in two periods of time for pastures: grazing period and rest period. On our farm we have divided into two pastures: Day Pasture and Night Pasture. As its name indicates, our horses are assigned to each pasture according to the time of day. Distributing the grazing periods in the pastures allows the grass to regenerate and regrow. By reducing the periods of time that a horse can stay in an area, we reduce the potential for soil compaction. Finally, this technique allows a better management of the resources available, as well as a gentle use of it.
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