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Bio
Established in 2002 by winemakers Sven Bruchfeld and Gonzalo Muñoz, Polkura focuses on producing high-quality Syrah wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The name "Polkura" means "yellow stone" in the Mapuche language, referencing the area's yellow granite soils. These decomposed granite soils, combined with clay, contribute to the wines' minerality, body, and structure.
Situated approximately 30 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard benefits from a Mediterranean climate with significant marine influence, moderated by the coastal mountain range.
Since 2009, Polkura has implemented a dry farming project known as "Secano," cultivating 2 hectares without irrigation, later expanding to 5 hectares. This approach emphasizes minimal intervention, relying solely on natural rainfall to express the purest form of the terroir.
To optimize water retention, vines are planted on flat terrain with clay-rich soils and at a lower density of 2,500 plants per hectare. The Gobelet training system is employed, with shoots tied to individual stakes to protect the fragile Syrah vines from breakage.
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Marcos Esteve
Marcos Esteve Pamias is a Spanish farmer, mechanical engineer, and full-stack developer leading a cutting-edge precision agriculture initiative on his family's 220-hectare farm in Valdorba, northern Spain. Specializing in wheat, barley, and oats, he integrates advanced technologies to enhance sustainability and efficiency in farming practices.
Marcos transitioned from organic to precision farming in 2017, aiming to reduce environmental impact and resource use. His approach includes:
Drone and Satellite Imagery: Utilizing multispectral drones and platforms like PIX4Dfields and SatAgro to monitor crop health and identify issues such as weed infestations.
Targeted Applications: Creating prescription maps for variable-rate applications of herbicides and fertilizers, leading to significant cost savings and reduced chemical usage.
Real-Time Weather Data: Employing iMETOS 3.3 weather stations to optimize spraying times and improve decision-making based on localized forecasts.
These practices have resulted in a 56% reduction in herbicide costs and enhanced overall farm sustainability. Beyond farming, Marcos contributes to agricultural innovation by developing a virtual fertilization advisor to further optimize nutrient applications.
Michael Kavanagh
Thompson Farm, managed by Michael Kavanagh, is a leading example of regenerative agriculture in the UK.
Situated at Church Farm in Boningale, near Wolverhampton, this 688-hectare estate is part of the Green Farm Collective—a network of British farmers dedicated to sustainable and nature-enhancing practices.
Under Kavanagh's stewardship, Thompson Farm has transitioned from conventional methods to a regenerative model focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and reduced chemical inputs. Key practices include:
Minimal Tillage: Adoption of direct drilling techniques has improved soil structure and reduced fuel consumption.
Cover Cropping: Utilization of diverse cover crop mixtures to enhance soil fertility and provide forage for livestock.
Biological Inputs: Application of composts and biostimulants to support microbial activity and plant health.
These strategies have led to an increase in soil organic matter from below 2.5% to 3.25% over six years, enhancing water retention and resilience against drought.
As a founding member of the Green Farm Collective, Thompson Farm collaborates with other like-minded farmers to promote regenerative agriculture. The collective facilitates knowledge sharing, supports natural capital trading, and engages with businesses seeking to invest in sustainable farming practices .
Alfonso Chico de Guzmán
La Junquera is a pioneering regenerative farm located in the Altiplano region of Murcia, southeastern Spain.
Spanning approximately 1,100 hectares, it stands as one of Europe’s largest regenerative agriculture projects, operating in one of the most desertified areas of the Iberian Peninsula. La Junquera transitioned to organic farming in 2010 and adopted regenerative practices in 2015. The farm's methods focus on restoring soil health, enhancing water retention, and boosting biodiversity. Key practices include:
Soil Regeneration: Utilizing cover crops, vermicomposting, and minimal tillage to improve soil fertility.
Water Management: Constructing swales, ponds, and sediment traps to capture and distribute rainfall efficiently.
Biodiversity Enhancement: Planting native species, establishing wildlife corridors, and integrating livestock like the endangered Murcian-Levantine cow to promote ecosystem balance.
These efforts have led to a significant increase in soil organic matter, from 2% to 6%, and the restoration of 2,500 hectares of degraded land.
Besides their farming efforts, La Junquera hosts the Regeneration Academy, led by Yanniek Schoonhoven, offering educational programs in agroecology, soil conservation, and sustainable farming.
Transform Your Farm with StimBlue+
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