The way farmers organize work and relationships on their farms is changing—traditional hierarchical and family-based models are giving way to more dynamic, holistic, and inclusive approaches. As forward-looking farms and organizations experiment with these innovative new social structures and technologies, we need to share and discuss both successes and failures. In this participatory workshop, Karen Washington will share her experience developing Rise and Root Farm together with five other women, and Jeff Schreiber and Kelly Kiefer of Three Sisters Farm will discuss what they’ve learned—so far—as they seek to join forces with another couple to create a larger, more holistic farm enterprise. Biodynamic Association Co-Director Thea Maria Carlson will also give an overview of the evolutionary organizational management model adopted by the BDA in 2015 and share thoughts about how it might be applied to farming. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and stories to share, and will leave with some practical techniques and resources for successfully working with others on farms.
