Advanced BD: Take a Walk in the Belly of your Farm

When biodynamic agriculture began almost 100 years ago, Steiner suggested that the doctors work closely with the farmers. This wasn’t only because food was seen as important to human health or that farmers could be potential producers of medicines. The farm individuality, the central image of a biodynamic farm, is modeled after the human individuality. The forces that go into the make-up and life of the human being as microcosm are the same forces (although modified) that go into the make-up and life of our farm as macrocosm.

Event Type: 
workshop
Date: 
Saturday
Location: 
Santa Fe Convention Center Santa Fe , NM

Presenter(s)

Cory Eichman

Biodynamic Principles and the Inner Path of the Farmer

Our earth is part of a living cosmos, and is interpenetrated by cosmic rhythms and vital forces that come from the sun, moon, stars, and other planets of our solar system. The biodynamic practitioner is a mediator artfully working to harmonize the terrestrial and cosmic influences and thereby create an enlivened environment for plant growth. Each farm or garden becomes an ecological organism – an expression of the great cycles and rhythms of life.

Event Type: 
workshop
Date: 
Wednesday
Location: 
Asilomar Conference Center Pacific Grove , CA

The Biodynamic Preparations and Farm-Scale Composting

The biodynamic preparations and compost are vital tools any farmer can use enhance the life and health of the farm, especially in the face of such challenges as radiation, chemical use and pesticide residues. In this workshop we will delve into each of the nine biodynamic preparations – how they are made, their relationship to elements and processes within the farm organism, and their use both in and independent of a composting program, including compost teas and the Biodynamic Compound (BC) preparation.

Event Type: 
workshop
Date: 
Wednesday
Location: 
Asilomar Conference Center Pacific Grove , CA

The Economics of a Small-Scale Self-Sufficient Farm

The term "economics" comes from the ancient greek word “oekonomia,” which Aristotle defined as stewardship of the household in imitation of nature providing for her offspring. In this session, farmer, academic and businessman Henning Sehmsdorf will show how this alternative idea of economics can transform the management practices of the small-scale, self-sufficient farm.

Event Type: 
workshop
Date: 
Wednesday
Location: 
Asilomar Conference Center Pacific Grove , CA

Biodynamic Viticulture and Winemaking

The cyclical process of farming grapes and then aiding it through fermentation, in modern times, has become 2 separate responsibilities divvied between the vineyard manager and the winemaker. Meet three ‘winegrowers’ who appreciate and direct the entire process and in so doing are creating vines and wines of resonance and intensity.

Event Type: 
workshop
Date: 
Wednesday
Location: 
Asilomar Conference Center Pacific Grove , CA

Integrating Livestock and Vegetables for Sustained Fertility, Food, and Community

A self-contained farm can create health and vitality on the land and quality food for the community. Trying to create the modern biodynamic farm in today’s social and economic context is challenging but not impossible. Learn about Adam and Paula’s progress in achieving this goal, and how you can apply basic principles to your own operation. We incorporate producing livestock (cows, sheep, and pigs), feed (pasture and grain) and food (meat, fruits/vegetables, wine grapes and olives for oil) into a self-sustaining system that renews the soil’s fertility.

Event Type: 
workshop
Date: 
Wednesday
Location: 
Asilomar Conference Center Pacific Grove , CA

Is Demeter Biodynamic certification for you?

Have you ever considered getting your farm or products certified Biodynamic? This workshop will outline the steps needed to obtain certification. What are the similarities to the requirements of the National Organic Program? What are the differences? How can the principles and practices of Biodynamic agriculture help you be a better farmer? There has never been a better time in the US to consider Biodynamic certification, as there is a strong need for Biodynamic ingredients and products. Come hear what all the buzz is about!

 

Event Type: 
workshop
Date: 
Wednesday
Location: 
Asilomar Conference Center Pacific Grove , CA