workshop

From year to year, we are getting more and more information on the physical aspects of the honeybee's life processes, behavior, and anatomy. More books have been written about the honeybee than any other of our beloved animals. In this workshop we will explore Rudolf Steiner's spiritual insights into her unique role among all the other animal group souls and what this signifies for our human evolution.

We will explore how soil science and spiritual science meet through a biodynamic look at soil. We will look at the factors of soil formation, reading soil maps, and a hands-on soil analysis, all as a way to get to know your special piece of land as an individual being.

After an introduction illustrating the form, harmon, and extraordinary processes that make plants "plants," and many of them medicinal, this workshop will offer an experience of the deeper and broader context in which plants are in-bedded, namely the interaction between earthly and cosmic forces, leading to a number of ways of growing high-quality medicinal plants in a biodynamic context.

The effects of biodynamic methods have been tested in long-term experiments in Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as in Washington State and Wisconsin, by the presenter. The results have shown an accumulation of carbon in the form of soil organic matter related to the use of biodynamic methods. Recently, results of a three-year trial in Washington and a six-year trial in Wisconsin have become available. These experiments showed that use of biodynamic preparations increased root growth and benefited plant growth and soil biology.

Rudolf Steiner referred to the breaking down of our food into its most elementary compounds as an important aspect of our spiritual growth. Proper preparation of our food—in essence, the pre-digestion of our food—can help us do that. This workshop will provide insights into how to support the digestive process with the proper preparation of grains and the inclusion of healthy fats, bone broth, and lacto-fermented foods in the diet. The role of salt in digestion will be discussed.

In biodynamic farming, the farmer is tasked with creating dynamic relationships with natural systems. These natural features, habitats, syntropic partnerships, and energetic flow are tied together in a deeply complex fabric that makes up the functioning organs of the farm body. In this workshop we will identify and examine these organ systems and discuss best practices for bringing health and vitality into these ecologies through observation, farm design, cultural practice, the biodynamic preparations, and spiritual awareness.

Whether intentionally and unintentionally, farms provide habitats for wild organisms. Some of these organisms have apparent agronomic roles as so-called pests and beneficials. Others have little immediate interaction with farm production but are part of a region’s "ark of biodiversity." Roles shift depending on farm crops, farming techniques, climate, landscape, and the like.

Join us for a conversation about the dairy farm and its place in the integrated, diversified biodynamic farm. Guided discussion about cows, forage production, and the opportunities for synergies in the farm organism between different animals and enterprises. Hear diverse perspectives on biodynamic dairying on topics such as developing intimate relationships with the cows, growing healthy feeds to feed healthy cows and produce healthy foods, and the high value of livestock farming to our soils, ecology, and communities.

Rudolf Steiner often referred to milk as an important element in the human diet. Unfortunately, modern processing ruins the benefits of nature's perfect food. This lecture will discuss the safety and health benefits of raw whole milk from cows on pasture, especially for growing children.

Bringing seed saving to your farm or garden will complete the circle of life of your crops and will present you with a gift for the future. Over time, you will develop highly individualized seeds that will be uniquely suited to your land, because they evolved in that environment. You could not buy such seed! This workshop will introduce fundamental principles of seed growing and teach you important first steps. Where should you grow your seeds, what are fertility requirements, and—very importantly—which plant varieties will be good for you to grow?