Vineyard’s feathered army: Ducks replace pesticides in South Africa

A South African wine farm has swapped chemical sprays for a quacking cleanup crew. At Vergenoegd Löw, a team of Indian runner ducks has been deployed to patrol the vineyards, replacing traditional pesticides. The birds are not working alone. They are joined by sheep and cattle, which help trim crops and manage weeds. The ducks, meanwhile, focus on controlling insects, reducing the farm’s reliance on synthetic chemicals. This natural approach keeps the vines healthy while cutting down on environmental damage. The ducks move through the rows, eating pests that would otherwise harm the grapes. The livestock handles the vegetation, keeping the grounds tidy without machinery or herbicides. The result is a working farm that blends old-school animal power with modern wine production. For visitors, the sight of ducks marching between the vines has become as much a draw as the wine itself.