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"Gezond grasland is de basis voor gezonde paarden"
Since 2004, the Bork family has been running Pferdehof Bork, an organic farm located in Brandenburg, north of Berlin. The family farm consists of 43 hectares of grassland and 7 hectares of arable land. The business accommodates 31 livery horses in both loose housing and stables. In addition, the family keeps a small herd of Dexter cattle, including several breeding cows and a breeding bull.
Alongside the equestrian business, the family operates an organic farming enterprise with a strong focus on grassland and pasture management. Healthy, productive grassland forms the basis for high-quality forage and sustainable farming. The farm also provides contract services, including grassland maintenance, pasture management, and the production of hay and haylage.
Farming in Brandenburg presents a number of challenges every year. Low spring rainfall, light sandy soils with an average soil quality rating of just 25 points, combined with surface sealing and soil crusting after winter, make successful grassland management far from straightforward.
"Our biggest challenge is the lack of rainfall during spring. After winter we also have to deal with soil sealing and crust formation. That's why we are constantly looking for solutions that improve soil structure and help retain moisture."
The farm's main activities include grassland and pasture maintenance, overseeding, and the production of hay, haylage and fresh forage.
To tackle soil compaction in a sustainable way, the Bork family chose the Evers Ferro Grassland-subsoiler, equipped with hydraulic stone protection and an EMS injection system for applying beneficial microorganisms.
"This spring was our first opportunity to work with the Grassland Subsoiler. Our goal is to relieve soil compaction down to approximately 25 centimetres while at the same time stimulating soil biology. What impressed us immediately was how easily the machine pulls despite its robust construction. With our 140 hp tractor, we only use around 60% of the available engine power."
Several features were decisive when selecting the machine.
"For us, a robust construction, effective soil reconsolidation and the hydraulic stone protection were essential. Soil reconsolidation is particularly important under our dry conditions because it helps retain valuable soil moisture."
The decision to choose Evers was based on professional advice and confidence in the technology.
"We received expert advice and clear answers to all our questions about soil compaction. We were also able to find plenty of useful information through the Evers website and social media channels. After seeing the machine at Agritechnica, we decided that the Evers Grassland Aerator was the right choice for our farm."
The family also has high expectations of the integrated EMS injection system.
"Our aim is not only to reduce soil compaction but also to stimulate soil life. In the long term, we expect healthier soils, stronger grass swards and a more reliable forage production."
As the Grassland Subsoiler has only recently been introduced on the farm, the family wants to continue monitoring its performance over a longer period.
"It's still too early to give a final assessment. We first want to evaluate the results on our grassland over time. However, our first impressions are very positive and give us great confidence for the future."
The cooperation with Evers has also been highly appreciated.
"From the very first contact, communication has been professional, straightforward and reliable. Whenever we have a question, we receive quick and knowledgeable support. That's exactly what we expect from a long-term partner."
"If our first impressions continue to be confirmed over the coming years, we would certainly recommend the Evers Grassland Aerator to anyone looking to improve their grassland sustainably and effectively tackle soil compaction."
For more than 60 years, we have provided solutions in the areas of soil cultivation, slurry injection and and grassland maintenance.