March 2010

Mar. 5-6: TN Organics Conference, Franklin, TN

Tennessee’s only organic growers association prepares for their 6th annual conference with the theme "Local and Organic Food to the Rescue" — this year expanded to two days and featuring noted farmer and activist Joel Salatin, in Franklin, Tennessee on Friday and Saturday, March 5th and 6th, 2010. Held at the Cool Springs Marriott, this yearly event has been expanded to two days of educational workshops, speakers and farm tours, capped with a keynote address by author, activist and farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms located in the picturesque and productive Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Hosted by the Tennessee Organic Growers Association. For more information, visit www.tnorganics.org.

Mar. 6: NOFA-NH Winter Conference, Concord, NH

NOFA-NH is pleased to announce that Sharon Astyk, will address our theme "A Place at the Table. Sharon Astyk is author of Depletion and Abundance: Life On the New Home Front, A Nation of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis on American Soil, and Independence Days: A Guide to Sustainable Food Storage and Preservation. For more information, visit www.nofanh.org.

Mar. 6: Biodynamic Farming Workshop, Foxhollow Farm Center, Crestwood, KY

One-day workshop for small- and large-scale farmers who are interested in biodynamic farming practices. Two local Kentucky farms, currently using biodynamic farming practices, will share their results and present foundational concepts for the biodynamic approach to farming. The goal of this workshop is to help participants work with soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and livestock health in a more holistic, economical and regenerative way. Presenters will include Laura Riccardi of Foxhollow Farm, Philip Lyvers of Lyvers Farm, and Janey Newton of Foxhollow Farm. To register: email fhfc@bellsouth.net or call (502) 241-6869. Please register by Feb. 26. For directions, please visit www.foxhollowfarmcenter.org or www.foxhollow.com.

Mar. 13: Cosmic Rhythms and Planting Calendars, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With Harald Hoven. Life is rhythm. The plant is embedded in cosmic rhythms of days and seasons, guided by sun, moon, and planets. Learn about cosmic influences that affect plants and how planting calendars help you see plants in relationship to cosmic events, increasing awareness of the land’s cosmic surroundings. This is Session 6 of 8, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Mar. 16: Scientific Research, Spiritual Research, Glen Ellen, CA

March 16th, 2010, 9:30am-3:30pm. "Scientific Research, Spiritual Research," by Dennis Klocek, at Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen, California.
$85 ($45 students/apprentices) includes lunch. Pre-registration required - Seating is limited.
Work with the land, plants, and animals is greatly enhanced when one eye is kept on the practical aspects and one on the spiritual. This workshop highlights research techniques that use the alchemical mandala of the four elements to gain insight into patterns of the physical world. These same research techniques can then be used in contemplative approaches to problem solving through the development of enhanced imaginative capacities.
Register online at DennisKlocek.com.
Questions? Payment by check? contact LauraLiska@cs.com .

Mar. 20: Natural Beekeeping — The Honeybee, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With David Basile. By understanding the instinctual wisdom of the honeybee, we discover how to work with her. You’ll be introduced to the respectful ways of biodynamic beekeeping and get hands-on experience by assembling a hive, housing or catching a swarm, and inspecting a hive (weather depending). By day’s end you’ll be able to begin natural beekeeping in your school or garden. This is Session 1 of 3, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Mar. 22: Behaving As If Bees Matter, Friendly Haven Rise Farm, Battle Ground, WA

A day-long conversation with GUNTHER HAUK, biodynamic beekeeper and author of Toward Saving the Honeybee.
Gunther talks about the significance of working to save honeybees, what this precocious being is attempting to teach us and how the hive helps us in our own evolution. We will look at common beekeeping practices from the honeybees’ view and discuss solutions that encourage ways for people to work in more caring partnership with the bees.
When: Monday, March 22 from 10 - 4
Where: Friendly Haven Rise Farm, Battle Ground, WA
Cost: Due to the generosity of the Portland Anthroposophic Society, the cost is only $45 for the day.
Who: Beekeepers, farmers and gardeners
Throughout the day we will engage in conversation with Gunther and fellow beekeepers to address practical aspects of beekeeping such as mite and disease control, medicinal applications, seasonal hive care, good forage and bee nutrition. We will also discuss the value of observation and awareness, the importance of wild bees, ways to reduce stress in bees’ lives, and how to increase our own perceptual abilities.
Friendly Haven Rise Farm is located 35 minutes north of Portland, OR, and 1hr 45 min south of Olympia, WA.

Mar. 27: Beginning a Vegetable Garden, The Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Gardeners of all levels of experience will benefit from Mac Mead's many years of vegetable growing experience in this one-day workshop. Beginners will gain the tools and information they need to get started with their own garden this spring.
Contact: info@pfeiffercenter.org / 845-352-5020 x20 / www.pfeiffercenter.org/events.

Mar. 27: Short Course in Biodynamic Husbandry, Puyallup and Tacoma, WA

When: SATURDAYS, March 27th, and April 3rd & 10th, 2010.
Location: Puyallup Room, WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Puyallup, WA and Zestful Gardens, Tacoma, WA, and
SATURDAY, APRIL 17th, 2010 (Field Trip) S&S Homestead Farm, Lopez Island, WA.
About: This Short Course will introduce participants to proven BD approaches to soil, crop and animal husbandry through lectures, experiential exercises, and hands-on learning. The fourth all-day session, including meals of farm-produced food, will be a field trip to S&S Homestead Farm, a WSU BIOAg Learning Site on Lopez Island (sshomestead.org/). The curriculum will cover scientific study of BD practices, as well as complementary phenomenological science based on Goethe’s pioneering work. The instructors (Barry Lia and Henning Sehmsdorf) have held on-farm BD workshops for many years, and offered this Short Course for the first time last year supported by a WSU BIOAg mini-grant. Course may be applied toward curriculum requirement for North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program (www.bdtraining.org).
Tuition: $210-260, depending upon number of participants (20-25). This includes class expenses and field trip expenses (two farm-produced meals & ferry fares). Text: $40 (Bio-Dynamic Farming Practice, by Sattler & Wistinghausen at discount from the BDFGA).
For more information, to preview the curriculum, and to register and purchase text, please contact: Barry Lia at barrylia@comcast.net
Pre-registration required. Limited to 25 participants.
This Course is supported by textbook discount from the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association.
Sponsored by Pierce County Extension and by the S&S Center for Sustainable Agriculture, a WSU BIOAg Learning Site.

Mar. 27: Oregon BD Group Spring Open House, Ruby and Amber's Organic Farm, Dorena, OR

OREGON BIODYNAMIC GROUP SPRING OPEN HOUSE. Introduction to Biodynamics Workshop, Saturday, March 27th, 9:30 - 3:30, Ruby and Amber’s Organic Farm.
Come learn more….for free! We will be hosting an informative, fun and easy to approach workshop on some of the fundamental, core components of Biodynamics. We will also have a potluck lunch, so bring your favorite dish….
Topics to include :
- Intro to BD and Converting new land
- Composting and the preps
- Spray Preparations 500 and 501
- Planting by the Moon Calendar
- Animal Husbandry
- Questions and Answers Forum - Farm and Garden tracks
Speakers include regional BD farmers and gardeners
Location: Ruby and Amber’s Organic Farm, home of Kris Woolhouse and Walt Bernard in Dorena, OR (outside of Cottage Grove). 75976 Booth Kelly Camp Rd., Dorena, OR 97434 (541-946-1504).
For more information, call 541-942-2241.

April 2010

Apr. 10: Biodynamics Today: Composting...doesn't just happen!, Floyd, VA

Composting…doesn't just happen! It's an art and a science. With Gunther Hauk, Hugh Courtney. We will not only talk about it, but actually make at least two composts and inoculate them with the compost preparations. For more information, visit www.spikenardfarm,org, or email spikenardfarm@spikenardfarm.org.

Apr. 10: Raw Milk Symposium, Madison, WI

SAVE THE DATE - 2nd Annual Raw Milk Symposium - April, 10, 2010 - Madison, Wisconsin.
Please NOTE: Time and Location TBD.
Invited Speakers: Sally Fallon Morell, Michael Schmidt, Mark McAfee, Ted Beals, M.D., David Gumpert, Tim Wightman, Dr. Ton Barrs, Sylvia Onusic, Fund attorney and more.
MESSAGE FROM TIM WIGHTMAN, SYMPOSIUM CHAIRMAN:
Last year, in Toronto, the inaugural International Raw Milk Symposium created awareness about the problems that lie ahead for raw milk farmers and consumers in the years to come.
The 2nd annual International Raw Milk Symposium, Saturday , April 10, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin , will build on that foundation and focus on our need to work intelligently and to work together. We'll also celebrate our successes and gather strength from our on-going challenges.
Since the last symposium, we've witnessed Michael Schmidt's cow-share model triumph in the Canadian courts, even as the USA courts lag behind in the raw milk Dark Ages.
That very cow-share model was seeded in Wisconsin eleven years ago on my farm, after which DATCP took action against my farm. . . but not my will to prevail, evolve, outwit and thrive.
Now, eleven years later, raw milk farmers in Wisconsin are again in turmoil. I can't help but wonder what new, inventive ideas will be inculcated in this perfect storm of DATCP aggressiveness and farmer inventiveness that we'll see harvested in the decade to come.
Fortunately, this time around, farmers have help! In this last decade we've witnessed the rise of one million angry raw milk moms & dads - passionate consumers who will sign share contracts, organize milk clubs and cow-pools, share assets, petition lawmakers and give witness in court on our behalf and in support of raw milk freedom of choice.
So, we feel the climate in Wisconsin is creating the perfect backdrop for our work at this conference. It's a perfect time for us to come together. As farmers and consumers, we know there is strength in diversity, and we recognize the fine line between diversity and divisiveness.
We are wise stewards of the earth. Now, let us be even wiser stewards of this raw milk movement and create a sustainable, inter-related, symbiotic, synergistic, diversified community of farmers, consumers and co-producers. Together we will create meaningful change and preserve freedom of choice for all.
No small thing we are doing here. Now, let's get to it. See you there!

Apr. 17: Spring! Plant Propagation, Weed Management, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With Harald Hoven and David Basile. Techniques for preparing soil to plant or transplant summer crops will be demonstrated. Methods of propagating annuals and perennials will also be demonstrated, including direct sowing, use of greenhouses or cold frames, pricking out, and propagation through cuttings, layering and divisions. We’ll explore strategies and biodynamic methods for dealing with another Spring feature: quickly appearing weeds. Additionally, last year’s preparations will be dug up. This is Session 7 of 8, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Apr. 17: Raised Beds in the Garden and Farm Organism, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Raised Beds in the Garden and Farm Organism, with Mac Mead. Both hand methods and machinery will be covered in this workshop on one of the fundamental principles of biodynamic gardening. Highly recommended for farm apprentices. 9 am to 5 pm, $95. 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

Apr. 17-18: Global Health & Innovation Summit, New Haven, CT

200 Speakers representing all disciplines of global health, social entrepreneurship, international development, and innovation. Keynote speakers include Seth Godin, Jeffrey Sachs and Sonia Sachs. Social innovation sessions by the CEOs and Directors of Acumen Fund, Partners in Health, WaterPartners, Save The Children, HealthStore Foundation, and many others. 2,200 participants from all 50 states and from more than 55 countries who are immersed in global health and international development, public health, eye care, medicine, social entrepreneurship, nonprofits, philanthropy, microfinance, human rights, anthropology, health policy, advocacy, public service, environmental health, and education. Presented annually by Unite For Sight, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization free of commercial interests and committed to promoting high quality care for all. GH/Innovate 2010 is the 7th annual conference. Collaborate on designs and strategies to identify global problems, engage in social entrepreneurship, and create real solutions. Network with leading innovators, organizations, universities, and other change-makers. For more information, visit www.uniteforsight.org/conference/.

Apr. 23-24: Organic Beekeeping: Principles and Practices, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Organic Beekeeping: Principles and Practices, with Ross Conrad and Chris Harp. For beginners and experienced beekeepers who wish to learn the most natural, holistic methods of caring for bees. Friday 4 pm - Saturday 6 pm, $185 ($225 with optional beginners session at 2 pm Friday). 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

Apr. 24: The Cosmic Nature of Water, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

A day-long workshop with Patrick Garretson. An exploration of the mysteries of water and its relation to the greater universe. We begin with simple observations of water’s structure, fluid motion, and expressions of vital quality. Then, from the scientific perspective, we’ll consider water’s role in mythology and culture, and cross-reference it with further scientific findings. From this perspective, a deeper understanding of flowforms and their uses will emerge. Different flowform styles will be on hand for exploration. Patrick Garretson is Creative Director of California Flowform Artisans. $75 (Regular) $60 (Students/Seniors) Pre-registration is required. For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

May 2010

May 1: Music of the Spheres: the Formative Forces in Plants, Grass Valley, CA

May 1st, 2010, 9:30am-3:30pm. "Music of the Spheres: the Formative Forces in Plants," with Dennis Klocek, at Fulcrum Farm, Grass Valley, California. $85 ($45 students/apprentices) includes lunch. Pre-registration required - Seating is limited.
The great harmony behind the forms of Nature is known as the Music of the Spheres. In this workshop we will work with the contemporary evolution of the music of the spheres known as projective geometry. Beginning with demonstrations of the Pythagorean monochord, chladni plates and other instruments that have traditionally been used to reveal harmonic forms in sound, we will create simple geometric thought experiments and make drawings that reveal the sublime experience of the infinitely distant plane. These experiences will be used to illustrate the formative forces in plants. Bring a compass and a ruler to the workshop.
Register online at DennisKlocek.com.
Questions? Payment by check? contact LauraLiska@cs.com.

May 8: Pests, Insects, Beneficials, and Beekeeping, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With Harald Hoven and David Basile. The garden and farm can’t exist without insects, but when the natural balance is disturbed, pests of all sorts creep in. From managing pests to attracting beneficials, this workshop looks at insect identification, biodynamic methods of pest control, pollinator habitat, and care of the honeybee. This is Session 8 of 8, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

May 17-19: Farm to Cafeteria Conference, Detroit, MI

5th Annual Farm to Cafeteria Conference. Field trips to local farms, school lunchrooms, and processing facilities; short courses covering topics such as grant writing and research and evaluation; workshops on issues such as federal and state policy, experiential education, sustainability, and economic development; and sessions geared toward youth, producers, and food service providers. Registration begins late February. For more information, visit www.farmtocafeteriaconference.org/.

May 21-23: Annual BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) Business Conference, Charleston, SC

8th ANNUAL BALLE BUSINESS CONFERENCE: Lighting the Way to a New Economy. MAY 21-23, 2010 ♦ Charleston, South Carolina. In these uncertain economic times, BALLE is convening the community of business owners and innovation leaders who are proving that things can and should be different! Our economy ought to be by the people and for the people. The BALLE conference will demonstrate how the new economy is being shaped at the grassroots level in local communities around North America. Join hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners, BALLE network leaders, economic developers, local government representatives and community connectors, as we explore innovative best practices in growing community health and wealth. Together we will find inspiration, share proven tools and successful programs, and explore how communities (like yours) are stepping forward as leaders of the new economy. For more information, visit www.livingeconomies.org/conference/2010-conference.

May 22: Natural Beekeeping — Care of the Hive, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With David Basile. The second workshop deepens our understanding of the honeybee and our skills in hive management according to Biodynamic standards. We’ll explore what the bees are doing and what we need to do in response. We might even harvest some goods of the hive (honey, pollen, wax). This is Session 2 of 3, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

June 2010

June 5: The Role of the Horse in the Farm Organism, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

The Role of the Horse in the Farm Organism, with Mac Mead. Learn more about this fascinating animal including hands-on sessions on draft horse care and tasks. 9 am to 5 pm, $95. 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

June 9-13: Weeklong Advanced Biodynamic Intensive, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With Harald Hoven and Cynthia Hoven. Culminating the year’s biodynamic workshop series (8 sessions), this week recapitulates and deepens the entire series’ experiences. It includes presentations on the self-enclosed farm organism, plant observations, theoretical discussions, hands on activities, and lectures and eurythmy based on the four kingdoms of nature. (The advanced intensive can be taken separately, with permission, by those who have some experience with biodynamics.) $390 (Regular), $305 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

June 12: Biodynamics Today: Rarely Used Tools, Floyd, VA

With Gunther Hauk. Add valuable tools in farming and gardening by working with life rhythms in support of growth and quality. We have become estranged from basic rhythms supporting life, so to understand and learn how to apply the knowledge will help you create a healthy, thriving organism. We will also make the silica preparation (# 501) which is especially important for the nutritious quality in food and feed. For more information, visit www.spikenardfarm,org, or email spikenardfarm@spikenardfarm.org.

June 26: Summer Organic Beekeeping, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Summer Organic Beekeeping, with Ross Conrad. Focuses on seasonal tasks including working with swarms and preparing for the honey harvest. 9 am to 6 pm, $95. 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

July 2010

July 17: Continuing the Vegetable Garden, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Continuing the Vegetable Garden, with Mac Mead. More gardening skills for your growing summer garden, including composting. 9 am to 5 pm, $95. 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

August 2010

Aug.: Summer Study Tour of Biodynamic Agriculture and Slow Food in Switzerland and Italy,

Summer Study Tour of Biodynamic Agriculture and Slow Food in Switzerland and Italy.
August 2010: Announcing a study tour that focuses for a week on biodynamic agriculture with Nikolai Fuchs and colleagues at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, and a week studying Slow Food at the University of Gastronomic Sciences and the University of Florence in Italy. Henning Sehmsdorf (of S&S Homestead Farm on Lopez Island) is co-teaching the course with Professor Gigi Berardi (of WWU Huxley College of the Environment). The study includes a three day intensive on S&S Homestead Farm, including Goethean art and science with guest lecturers Janet and Barry Lia, and a closing seminar on Inspiration Farm in Whatcom County.
See: www.acadweb.wwu.edu/eesp/summer/swissitaly/index.shtml and contact Prof. Berardi for details (gigi.berardi@wwu.edu). Feb 1 is the first deadline. Space is limited.

Aug. 7: From Garden to Table: Harvesting and Cooking with Fresh, Local, Biodynamic Produce, Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

From Garden to Table: Harvesting and Cooking with Fresh, Local, Biodynamic Produce, with Anthony LoPinto and Mac Mead. Learn about biodynamics, harvest fresh produce from the garden, and then enjoy a delicious five-course meal prepared before your eyes by Chef Anthony LoPinto.Recipes and information packet included. 9 am to 3 pm, $95 (includes lunch). 845.352.5020 x20 / info@pfeiffercenter.org / www.pfeiffercenter.org.

Aug. 13-15: NOFA Summer Conference, Amherst, MA

Northeast Organic Farming Association Summer Conference. Keynote Speakers: Sally Fallon and Fernando Funes-Monzote. 200 workshops on organic farming, gardening and land care, homesteading, sustainability, nutrition, spirituality, food politics, activism, and much, much more...
Special workshops designed for kids and teens. An educational, fun opportunity for your children to bond with others from the Northeast while you attend workshops and events. Entertainment for the whole family: Music and dance, an old-fashioned Country Fair, farmer's market, games and fun. Modest registration, inexpensive dorm rooms, camping and delicious, wholesome organic meals. For more information, visit www.nofasummerconference.org/.

September 2010

Sept. 25: Natural Beekeeping — The Harvest, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA

With David Basile. This final workshop prepares us to care for the honeybee year round. We’ll discuss what is required before and during winter, including hive size, ventilation, overwinter feeding, and preventing mites. We’ll finish by enjoying gifts of the hive as we taste the year’s honey and dip beeswax candles. This is Session 3 of 3, which can be taken as a series or individually. $95 (Regular), $75 (Students/Seniors). For information and registration contact Rudolf Steiner College • 916.961.8727 • www.steinercollege.edu • rsc@steinercollege.edu.

Sept. 25: Biodynamics Today: Making of the Autumn Biodynamic Preps, Floyd, VA

With Hugh Courtney and Gunther Hauk. Experience alchemistry in practice. Modern research into enzyme and ferment action, into transformation of substances and chemicals lets us understand why this "crazy-sounding" BD works. We will make 4-5 of the preparations and give instructions for their use. For more information, visit www.spikenardfarm,org, or email spikenardfarm@spikenardfarm.org.

Sept. 30 - Oct. 3: BDA Annual Conference, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Thursday, Sept. 30 — Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, at the Threefold Educational Center in Chestnut Ridge, NY. More details coming soon. See our conference page for updated information and our upcoming call for workshop presenters.

October 2010

Oct. 3-5: Chefs Collaborative National Summit, Boston, MA

Redefining Our Culinary Traditions — Building on the Past to Ensure a Sustainable Future. We expect 300 chefs and culinary professionals to join us for this educational and community-building conference focused on the theme of integrating sustainable principles into regional culinary and agricultural heritage. We are open to any and all ideas related to sustainable food and the culinary profession, although preference will be given to proposals that align with the theme. Call for proposals deadline: March 12, 2010.

Oct. 16-19: Community Food Security Coalition Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA

"Food, Cuture and Justice: The Gumbo That Unites Us All." Registration begins July 2010. For more information, visit communityfoodconference.org/14/.

November 2010

Nov. 13: Biodynamics Today: Food Does Matter!, Floyd, VA

With Gunther Hauk. We will not only talk about carbs, proteins and fats, but mainly about the mystery of breaking down and building up in the process of digestion, about forces instead of only substances, about quality instead of quantity, and much more. For more information, visit www.spikenardfarm,org, or email spikenardfarm@spikenardfarm.org.

December 2010