When I was a little girl I would help my father work the biodynamic farm at Camphill Village. One of my favorite memories is of milking the cows by hand with him. I still remember clearly the sense of being so close with the cow, my head against her soft warm side. The feeling of her warm teets as I tenderly squeezed my little hands around them, focused on her comfort rather than getting milk to come out. They were smooth and soft, and at first the milk often squirted into my hand rather than the bucket. It trickled into my sleeve and I laughed. It is much harder than it looks! As usual, I had seen on my way into the barn, and could still hear one stall over, the rhythm of powerful burst-after-burst of milk streaming into a frothy pail. He was a master at milking. His name was old Pete and my dad revered him as the ultimate milkman. He was a true born and raised farmer to his core. My dad was a city kid called to farming eventually, after a few other career paths.
What sticks with me most about this memory is how in tune these men were with the animals from whom they drew sustenance. Whether from city or farm, they both so obviously loved these cows deeply. Their sustenance was not just daily bodily nourishment, but the symbiosis of working together, as necessary parts of a whole. It felt that all belonged here and if one were missing it would create a hole not easily filled. I felt this most when I was with the horses, they were my dearest loves growing up. But witnessing adults in partnership with animals, plants and the elements in this way, I believe was crucial to my formative years. This is where I experienced my first feeling of belonging, on the farm. Working together to bring forth something (new life) from seemingly nothing (decay/death). All beings forming together something that is beyond words, brought into the realm of the everyday. Where the physical senses await to alchemize it into earthly understanding for the full nourishment of all.
This is intended as a basic overview of biodynamic agricluture. It is a lifelong learning relationship when one chooses this path. Therefore, I see myself as a perpetual student and am always open to considerate feedback and suggestions. I want this to be a place where everyone can participate and we can explore and learn together. If you have any questions that I could add to this article please let me know and I will do my best to add and answer them below (time permitting).
What is biodynamic agriculture?
A standard definition of biodynamic agriculture is that it is “a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition”, according to biodynamics.com. But it also is so much more than that.
It is a living form of working with nature through human impulse; co-creating vitality through whole-human sensing in relationship with the mineral, plant, animal and human kingdoms, together with the cosmos. The farm is viewed as a unique living organism with various parts all working and supporting each other, not unlike the various organs of a human being. Both physical organs and the often latent organs of spiritual perception. By using various indications given by Rudolph Steiner, we strive towards harmonizing all elements involved in farming, whether we can perceive them with our earthly human senses or not. These indications encourage us to strive to build a relationship with the whole cycle of life and death, growth and decay. They include specific practices that are both inward and outward in nature; specially prepared remedies influenced by earthly and cosmic forces; continuous documentation and study of astrological and astronomical rhythms; and all are rooted in the fertile soil of good, nature-based farming practices. Through Steiner's vast knowledge of the natural sciences, along with his visionary philosophies and extrasensory abilities, he was able to unite science and spiritual understandings, providing a cocoon for biodynamics to evolve from. He was clear that his teachings were to be scientifically tested; that experimentation and development of what works and doesn’t be examined thoroughly; and that it should evolve with the society of the times.
How did biodynamic agriculture come to be?
Biodynamic agriculture began around 100 years ago. Around the same time as the advent of chemical fertilizers (so prevalent in farming today) which were developed by the nitrogen industry looking for a new market after the war. Coupled with the mechanization of farming in the early 1900’s, the agriculture industry was primed for chemical nitrogen fertilizer sales. Many recognized the decline in nutritive quality of food and soil evidenced in dwindling seed strain viability and the increase in animal husbandry concerns (especially around reproduction and hoof-and-mouth disease). However, some environmental enthusiasts and farmers were looking for something more ecological in nature. They wanted to avoid the new chemical fertilizers, born out of the wars weapons manufacturing sector, while also wanting to replenish soil health, crop yields and the overall vitality of the earth. The story goes that a particularly willful young man (Count Keyserlingk’s son) stayed on Steiner's front doorstep, proclaiming not to leave until he received confirmation that Steiner would address their questions. He finally obliged by holding a series of lectures on agriculture at the Koberwitz estate of Count and Countess Keyserlingk, in 1924. This was just a year before his death and against his doctor’s advice (Dr. Ita Wegman). These lectures are available in book format, titled The Agriculture Course or Agriculture by Rudolph Steiner (available purchase as a physical copy, or you can find it for free online in audio here and in text here ).
Biodynamic agriculture was formed through the impulse ignited by these lectures, as farmers and gardeners applied and tested and retested Steiner's indications. Today there is widespread research being conducted around the world in a variety of forms, from small farms and gardens to university campuses and the Geotheanum (Anthroposophical centre in Dornach). The science behind biodynamics has, and is, being well studied, but the most effective way to learn is through experiencing it first hand. There is truly nothing that a book or words can effectively teach or portray that would compare to physically interacting with the elements through your own human senses.
How does biodynamic agriculture relate to anthroposophy?
Rudolph Steiner brought about the impulse of Anthroposophy, and through it biodynamics was birthed into existance. Therefore, these two are inherently related. Steiner required that those who attended his first lectures be acquainted with his books, Theosophy and An Outline of Esoteric Science. This would imply that the underlying bases for the Agriculture course comes from at least some understanding of anthroposophy itself. And any study of which would further ones depth of knowledge and understanding, while perhaps also bolstering your biodynamic practices in the process.
The section for agriculture at the Geotheanum holds space for the network of biodynamic practitioners world wide. Their vision is to welcome all people who freely wish to help form the future of biodynamic agriculture and food. They are involved in every aspect from research to training and implementation, ever growing and developing along with the needs of the present society we live in. Take a look at their website to see the wide array of farming, research and community relation endeavors, as well as, many wonderful online offerings open to all who are interested (link under Sources at the bottom).
While it is very beneficial to study both general anthroposophy, and the Agriculture Course, it is not at all necessary in order to participate in biodynamics. There is a wide range of involvement and overlap with the two, for they stem from the same root. However, in general the practice of biodynamics is ever evolving, and as Steiner often indicates throughout his works, we should work within the times we are given. Therefore, there has developed over the last century a multitude of ways that biodynamics is praticed around the world. From using variations on the original preparations to farms without animals as part of their biome, if you are looking for a certain alternative, it’s likely being done or you could try it for yourself. Keep testing Steiner’s philosophies, he was very clear that they should be scientifically sound.
It should be emphasized that biodynamic practices do not make up for poor farming practices. And as Stewart Lundy (of The Josephine Porter Insitute) points out in his introduction for the book Biodynamics for Beginners (by Hugh Courtney), “someone applying the biodynamic preparations on top of unsound farming practices cannot expect good results”. Rather, biodynamics creates space to enliven more deeply a farm that already has a solid working foundation. One way that this is displayed today is in the challenge of the certification process, where a farm must meet organic certification standards before becoming biodynamically certified.
“Through her resounding tones, the whole of nature begins to whisper her secrets to the student. What was hitherto merely incomprehensible noise to his soul becomes by this means a coherent language of nature.”
- Rudolf Steiner, Knowledge of the Higher Worlds
How is biodynamic farming different to organic?
It is true that organic and biodynamic farming are both ecological in nature, meaning they try to work together with nature, rather than fight against it. They both aim to cultivate healthy food and soil without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides. Most organic farmers also look to reduce toxins on their farm and live in harmony with nature, as do biodynamic farmers as well. However, biodynamic farming expands the vision of engaging with the natural world through trying to heal and enliven the earth beyond a state of homeostasis; and beyond the physical elements through cosmic engagement by the human being.
It is evident that the natural world needs our care in a way that goes further than just returning it to a semi-wild state, or even sequestering carbon and naturally increasing nitrogen and trace minerals with cover crops and compost etc. It needs repair in a deeper sense than just the physical, and even further than the molecular or quantum level of understanding. There is an essence that has been weakened, in large part due to human misuse, and it is our responsibility to work through our innate human abilities (our thinking, feeling and willing abilities) to cultivate the life forces necessary for nature to heal. These life forces of nature that have become weak are seen in the decline of the worlds nutritive and resilient qualities in general (even organically grown food). There is a loss of vitality that goes beyond the decline of necessary substances, the deminishing soil quality and microbe life. As human beings we are undeniably a part of the natural world, and therefore we have weakened over time as well. This is one aspect of the connection between farming (healing the earth) and health (healing ourselves), which I aim to explore more deeply in future posts. For now, it is clear that the earth needs our spiritual connection to the cosmos in order to fully heal, and this is what biodynamic practices endeavor to do through farming.
There are many wonderful organic farmers who care deeply for nature and all beings, and who often go beyond the standard organic processes on their farm. In general, however, organic farming implies that the primary goal of said practices are to grow healthy food while obtaining healthy yields, which may also include increasing biodiversity and soil health among other ecological practices. In biodynamics, generally speaking, the emphasize is more so on the health of the earth over the obtaining of food. In todays economically dependent society, this is no small feat! And while no two farms are alike, no matter the label applied, for true biodynamic practitioners healing the earth and her inhabitants is priority and the abundance that comes from doing so is secondary. For example, fighting against diseases and pests tend to be a central focus of most conventional (using chemicals) and organic (using natural applications) producers. But for a biodynamic farmer a pest or disease problem would be dealt with by first questioning the integrity and health of the farm as a whole, as well as, the particular part of the farm affected. So rather than trying to eradicate the “bad”, there is a certain level of acceptance of it in that it is showing us where there is a weakness that needs our attention. The biodynamic focus is mainly on how we can assist the “good”, before considering other options. What is it that the tomato plant (and its environment) needs in order for the hornworm to not show up or to no longer have a detrimental effect?! There are many interesting implications for how this philosophy can relate to other areas of human life as well. Perhaps you will enjoy a reflection (as I did) on this simple, yet profound, consideration of supporting the good while accepting evil for the role it must play. All that to say, biodynamic farmers also sometimes resort to various natural remedies to confront unwanted pressures on production, but the first consideration is given to the health of the whole farm organism, rather than focusing mainly on treating the symptom of the problem.
“Pests are one of the most interesting and instructive problems, looked at from the bio-dynamic viewpoint. When the biological balance is upset, degeneration follows; pests and diseases make their appearance. Nature herself liquidates weaklings. Pests are therefore to be regarded as nature's warning that the primary forces have been dissipated and the balance sinned against.”
-Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, M.D. (HON.), Preface to the book Agriculture (1958 edition)
Although I grew up on a biodynamic farm in Camphill Village and have visited and worked on biodynamic farms, I am still very much a beginner. However, I feel fully committed to this endeavor of learning and following wherever this path of healing the earth and ourselves may lead. And I will do my best to share it here with you. I also hope to hear from those of you who may be walking the same or similar paths, so that we may collaborate and learn from one another. Please reach out, comment or message. I am always interested in hearing considerate feedback and opinions on my posts.
Sources:
Bio-Dynamic Agriculture by Koepf, Petterson, Schaumann
Culture and Horticulture by Wolf D. Storl
Biodynamics for Beginners by Hugh J. Courtney
Geotheanum Agriculture Section https://www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org/en/
Biodynamic Demeter Alliance https://www.biodynamics.com/what-is-biodynamics
Demeter Canada https://www.demetercanada.ca/what-is-biodynamic-agriculture/
Biodynamic Federation Demeter https://demeter.net/
Please let me know of any historical biodynamic names, north american institutions and associations that I have missed and which you think should be included, so that I can add them below.
A list of biodynamic institutions and associations in north america: (please help me fill in this list!)
Rudolph Steiner College Canada - https://rscc.ca/bd-farmer-ed/#:~:text=A%20new%20two%2Dyear%2C%20part,Farming%20and%20Gardening%20in%20Ontario.
Demeter Canada -
https://www.demetercanada.ca/
The Society for Biodynamic Farming and Gardening in Ontario -
https://biodynamics.on.ca/
Biodynamic Agriculture Society of British Columbia -
https://bcbiodynamics.ca/
Association de Biodynamie du Quebec -
https://biodynamieqc.com/
The Pfeiffer Centre - https://www.biodynamics.com/nabdap-pfeiffer-center
Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary -
https://spikenardfarm.org/
The Josephine Porter Institute -
https://jpibiodynamics.org/
A list of the most historically influential biodynamic farmers/researcher/contributors:
Erhard Bartsch
Ehrenfried Pfeiffer
Hans Mueller
Ernesto Genoni
Ileen Macpherson (contribution?)
Bob Williams
Alex Podolinsky
Alan Chadwick
Josephine Porter
Maria Thun
Herbert H. Koepf
Hugh J. Courtney