🌞 Make Hay While the Sun Shines! 🌾
At Geotto, we believe in the power of partnerships and innovative solutions to tackle the evolving challenges of modern agriculture. Today, we embarked on an insightful first day at Barnview Hay Farm, a project that is not only advancing sustainable farming practices but also transforming local agricultural dynamics for farmers in Kericho County.
A GLIMPSE INTO BARNVIEW HAY FARM’S LEGACY
Barnview Hay Farm, nestled in the lush Soin Ward of Kericho County, is an initiative born from a vision of community support and resilience. Thanks to a grant from the Kenya Climate-Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) backed by the World Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture, the farm was established with the primary objective of providing affordable, quality hay to local farmers. As part of a ten-year agreement with the county, Barnview can leverage 60 hectares of fertile land. Under the guidance of Barnview's dedicated chairman, the farm supports Soin Sacco members and the wider agricultural community, selling high-quality hay at an accessible rate of Ksh 150 per bale—a notable contrast to the market’s standard rate of Ksh 200-250.
MEETING THE TEAM AND OUR HOSTS
Our visit to Barnview began with a warm welcome from Mr. Collins Kipyegon, Barnview’s IT officer, who not only invited us but also hosted us for the day’s activities. A forward-thinker and fellow innovator from the Mercedes Benz beVisioneers Fellowship, Collins embodies a blend of technical skill and community-centered innovation. His commitment to using technology to solve real-world agricultural challenges aligns well with our mission at Geotto.
Also present was Mr. Victor, Barnview’s key operator, who led us on a comprehensive tour of the farm. With a wealth of practical experience and an infectious passion for sustainable farming, Victor highlighted the inner workings of Barnview's operations, from the strategic layout of hay fields to state-of-the-art machinery, such as balers and harvesters. His knowledge and insights provided a deeper understanding of the meticulous planning that goes into hay production at Barnview.
CHALLENGES FACED BY BARNVIEW
While Barnview Hay Farm has achieved remarkable success in making hay accessible and affordable for local farmers, especially in Kericho County, the journey has its hurdles. One of the main challenges they face is the unpredictable weather that impacts the delicate hay-harvesting process. Rainfall at critical points can reduce hay quality, jeopardizing harvests and affecting the income stability of farmers dependent on Barnview’s supply. As the region contends with increasingly erratic weather patterns due to climate change, Barnview is looking for innovative solutions to tackle these obstacles head-on.
The farm is also committed to maintaining its competitive pricing to continue supporting the community, but this requires continuous optimization of resources and processes. Efficiency in harvesting and storage is essential, and any delays caused by unexpected weather events can have ripple effects on operational costs, production timelines, and product quality.
ESTABLISHING A PARTNERSHIP
Our first day laid the groundwork for a collaborative partnership between Barnview and Geotto. By joining forces, we aim to support Barnview in addressing these challenges, ensuring they can continue providing quality hay at accessible prices. Today’s interactions reaffirmed our commitment to innovative agricultural practices that strengthen community resilience and boost productivity.
As we wrapped up our day at Barnview, we left inspired by the dedication of Chairman, Collins, Victor, and the entire Barnview committee and farmers. Their passion and vision for sustainable agriculture exemplify the spirit of “making hay while the sun shines”—seizing every opportunity to cultivate resilience, community support, and forward-thinking solutions in farming.