The Demeter and BioGro certified farm 'Milmore Downs' lies in the Scargill valley, one and a quarter hours north of Christchurch and not far from the turn off at Greta Valley on State Highway one. It comprises 302 ha in 2 blocks. The flats at home carry crops, sheep and cattle whereas the hill block has predominantly permanent pasture for sheep and cattle.
The main crops, grown in a rotation that also includes pasture and soil fertility-building crops, are Dinkel/spelt, barley and rye. 800 sheep and 200 beef cattle extensively graze herbal ley pastures and are an important tool for converting the cereal straws to valuable manure.
Although predominantly dry land there is a flood harvest irrigation system that takes winter flows from a small steam and stores them in a man-made lake for summer use. There are extensive wind shelter plantings which along with the use of deep rooting species in herbal ley pastures also add to drought proofing the farm. However the main climatic difficulty that is impossible to protect against are the out of season frosts - temperatures below zero can be expected any month of the year.
The Biodynamic preparations are produced on the farm and are regularly applied to stimulate soil fertility and strengthen the plants.
Milmore Downs will be taking a well-deserved break and will be closed for orders starting December 17th.
Our mill will resume processing orders on January 13th.
We thank you for your support and loyalty throughout the year and wish you a wonderful summer season!
Warm regards,
The Milmore Downs Team