• A flock of Indian Runner ducks hunt for snails and bugs as they patrol the Vergenoegd Wine Estate, in Cape Town, South Africa. All photos: Reuters
    A flock of Indian Runner ducks hunt for snails and bugs as they patrol the Vergenoegd Wine Estate, in Cape Town, South Africa. All photos: Reuters
  • The white, black and brown ducks assist as natural pest-control, helping the vineyard owners to avoid using pesticides and synthetic fertilisers
    The white, black and brown ducks assist as natural pest-control, helping the vineyard owners to avoid using pesticides and synthetic fertilisers
  • A duck keeper guides the ducks during their daily patrol
    A duck keeper guides the ducks during their daily patrol
  • "We call them the soldiers of the vineyards," the managing director of the estate, Corius Visser, said
    "We call them the soldiers of the vineyards," the managing director of the estate, Corius Visser, said
  • The pest-munching ducks keep the vineyards blooming. Their long legs and an upright posture help them reach for snails between the leaves
    The pest-munching ducks keep the vineyards blooming. Their long legs and an upright posture help them reach for snails between the leaves
  • In the morning, the ducks go to the vineyards to prevent crop damage, and in the evening they return to their paddocks to peck at pellets of nutritious bird food
    In the morning, the ducks go to the vineyards to prevent crop damage, and in the evening they return to their paddocks to peck at pellets of nutritious bird food
  • Instead of harmful pesticides, the vinyard runs on nutrient-rich manure from the ducks and other animals
    Instead of harmful pesticides, the vinyard runs on nutrient-rich manure from the ducks and other animals
  • The army of patrol ducks also entertain tourists
    The army of patrol ducks also entertain tourists
  • "It's amazing how they behave themselves, walk in a row, and it's like they're in the army," said Merle Holdsworth, a tourist
    "It's amazing how they behave themselves, walk in a row, and it's like they're in the army," said Merle Holdsworth, a tourist
  • "It's almost like raising your own children, so I enjoy it a lot," said worker Yodell Scholtz who has been rearing the ducks for the past two years
    "It's almost like raising your own children, so I enjoy it a lot," said worker Yodell Scholtz who has been rearing the ducks for the past two years
  • They are at the heart of the winery's regenerative sustainable agriculture practices
    They are at the heart of the winery's regenerative sustainable agriculture practices

World

South African vineyard uses ducks for pest control - in pictures

Working farm steers clear of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers

The National

January 18, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic
Updated: January 18, 2023, 8:46 AM
South Africa

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