We farm differently. We prioritise the health and fertility of our soil, we strive for high standards in animal health and welfare and we build purpose driven relationships with others.
Here at Boven we work with nature and multi-species livestock, on soil that has been cultivated into a micro-organism haven. We produce healthy food in a humane way, which respects the soil, livestock and our people.
We believe food should be your medicine and not the other way around.
Boven way of farming
With nature
At Boven we aim to improve the soil. We use a stacking method and rotate multi-species livestock across different pastures. We use manure, cover crop and a scientifically proven mixture that incorporates farm waste, to improve the quality of our soil. We do not add any external or additional fertilisers, pesticides or weed killers. With the livestock and our scientifically proven methods, we are restoring the soil, improving ecosystems, controlling parasites better and getting high utilisation from the soil.
With people
At Boven we aim to give people a vision and hope to live a purpose driven life and we support them in their growth journey. We set off on a 3 year in-service training programme and include a discipleship course during induction. We provide exposure to all the different aspects of the farm and intentionally build purposeful relationships.
Boven farming
Boven cows
Our Jerseys graze on grass that grows on healthy, microculture rich soil and on the naturally occurring fynbos. The Jerseys also help in the management of invasive species such as Black Wattle trees. The Jerseys provide us milk with a very high percentage of butter fat, of which we produce smooth farm butter, yoghurt and cheese.
Boven pigs
Our pigs have a diverse and nutritious diet. They enjoy grazing the bushes and grasslands here at Boven and also get raw-milk as part of their diet. We do not give the pigs any preventative medicine or any growth hormones - it is all natural with our pigs. The pigs also play an important part in the cultivation of the soil and the ecological friendly environment we are developing. With a long, healthy and happy life, our pigs produce flavoursome and tender meat.
Boven sheep
Our Dormer sheep and Boerbokke form an integral part of our stacking method of farming. Not only do they graze the fields but their manure also helps in the fertilisation process.
Boven chickens
Our broilers, Boschvelders and Koekoeks enjoy the farmlife with us. They get moved around to a different field on the farm on a weekly basis, where they then help in fertilising the soil and controlling insects and pesticides.
Boven bees
The bees on the farm are very important for the biodiversity of our ecosystems and the pollination of our crops. The fynbos-rich and forest areas provide an ideal habitat for the bees and as a result we get sweet, natural honey.
Boven veggies
We produce our own organic vegetables in the healthy, micro-organism rich soil. We plant only heirloom seeds for the outstanding taste and high nutrient value.
Boven baking
In the kitchen we love baking and building precious relationships. With three generations on the farm, we enjoy learning from the experience and the youth in equal measures. There is no limit on creativity.
Boven wood
The wood is what led us to Boven - it was one of the first products that we sold. We supply to the building industry and we also craft high quality kitchen utensils including chopping boards and egg holders.