One might think that in winter everything slows down, quietly falls asleep until spring brings life back again. Thanks to hard work, careful planning, and the magic of the estate, I was able to grow and harvest malting barley for a cooperative (Regenacterre), which in turn supplies malt houses and breweries.

Last autumn, we sowed rapeseed and winter wheat. These crops continue to grow, even despite the early snowfall on the estate. I also take advantage of the winter season to deliver the potatoes grown in the fields of Domaine de Graux. These delicious potatoes, monitored and cared for throughout the year, are now distributed to be transformed into fries, mashed potatoes, or simply good potatoes.

At Graux, we sow alfalfa and temporary clover grasslands that, during winter, store water to better withstand the summer droughts we sometimes face. This year, these crops lived up to expectations and held strong despite the dry conditions.

The cover crops are part of our agroecological practices that support soil health and nutrient cycles. Clover is a legume that fixes nitrogen. Below the soil surface, symbiotic rhizobia bacteria colonize nodules on the roots of the clover. The clover supplies carbohydrates to the bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by the crops. This reciprocal plant-bacteria relationship feeds the organic nitrogen cycle, helping us reduce reliance on nutrients.

Cover crops also scavenge excess nutrients to release back into the soil for the spring crop. In the winter, this “green armor” protects the soil from erosion, reducing runoff from the fields and protecting water quality. In early spring, residue from the winter cover crops will suppress weeds and control pests by supporting beneficial insects. The cover crops will also help us manage spring rains by increasing water infiltration and improving soil structure.

At Domaine de Graux, cover crops not only protect and feed the soil, but they also feed our Black Angus cattle. With rotating grazing, the cattle benefit from the forages while providing nutrients (manure) to the soil.

No matter the season, agriculture at Graux must contend with formidable crows. They are always drawn to the corn and sunflower left in the fields. With the decline of natural habitats, grasslands, and food sources, the birds look to the abundant food resources of crop fields.

But crows are omnivores. They also eat insects, such as beetles, caterpillars, and grubs, and even small rodents, providing natural pest control. Crows also play a role in the ecosystem for seed dispersal and function as nature’s recyclers of carrion. The valuable service helps reduce pathogens and disease.

Ecosystems constantly strive toward balance among species, a complex dance of resources, available habitat, and predator-prey interactions. At the Domaine, we use ecosystem thinking to manage the farm in harmony with nature. This requires the expertise of an ornithologist who guides us on habitat creation such as nesting boxes and how the farm can support a diversity of bird species including raptors to manage pest populations, and other bird species that provide seed dispersal, pollination, and insect control. Through knowledge of each species and their role and behaviors, we can maintain a balanced farm ecosystem.

I also keep an eye on the future. Winter is the ideal time to hone my skills and assess the economic model of our arable farming. We are always open to opportunities for innovation through the activities of The Nest, particularly to develop new techniques or experiment with new crops.