Bev Trowbridge and Dave Crabb have managed Muriwai Valley Farm organically for six years since moving there in early 1998 and are certified organic by Bio-Gro. Bev is the farmer having owned and run a similar organic farm in Devon, England before moving to New Zealand. As an ecologist her philosophy is based on working with the natural ecosystems and just giving them a little helping hand when and if needed. The farm is an intricate mixture of pasture, bush (woodlands), and wetlands, each ecosystem supporting the other. The pastures are clover- based providing natural fertility enhanced by a high diversity of grasses and herbs (weeds). It is these deep-rooted herbs that provide the livestock with much needed minerals and trace elements to keep them healthy. No chemicals, drugs or prophylactics are used on the livestock, rather their natural immunity is supported by their stress-free and nutrient –rich lifestyles. All animals are encouraged to exhibit their natural behaviours and live long, contented lives. The high percentage of natural cover on the farm provided by native trees and hedgerows means that there is always shade and shelter available.
 

The older, traditional breeds of livestock were developed around the world to suit local farming conditions prior to the Western change to an industrial method of farming based on high inputs of artificially produced inorganic chemicals which occurred after the 2nd. World War. Thus they are breeds which are suited to the more extensive low-input style of farming which organic agriculture is based upon. They generally have the potential for higher natural immunity to pests and disease and are able to do well on what would be regarded in modern agriculture as ‘poor’ or ‘unimproved’ pasture, which often translates to more nutritionally-balanced pasture. This does not mean that productivity has to be sacrificed, on the contrary if the input and output sides of the equation are taken into consideration as they should be, then   traditional breeds can out-perform modern breeds, especially if longevity and lack of illness is also taken into account. As well as these more commercial considerations the older breeds are often more interesting and rewarding to keep as they tend to be more intelligent and will often relate more to their handler, as well as which they are striking and attractive to have in your paddocks.