Australian Demeter Bio-Dynamic Discussion Forum - Recent Topics

Green manure

Darren Aitken — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 23:44:43 +0000

Green manure is a passion of mine...these photos are all from the same seed mix, down on the same day in different sections of the farm. I get a Vortex Vegies blend made from AGF seeds. Notice the predomination of certain species. Some sections look like monoculture! With green manure l simply supply the mix and let the intelligence, individuality, ego, wisdom of the soil, bought by the preps, choose which species is to predominate where.
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Market Gardeners

Darren Aitken — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:16:56 +0000

Hi to all BDAAA market gardeners, it was great to get together at the conference, albeit briefly. Good conversations were started in the industry group that should be continued and expanded upon This members section was built for such discussion to continue. I encourage you to utilise this private platform to chat en mass.

Darren

Are there any members who have done podcasts or media?

Mark Rathbone — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:41:37 +0000

When working I always enjoy listening to a good Podcast or Youtube, especially when it's one of our members. I've heard some from Darren Aitken, Simon McLachlan and Steve and Tania Walter from Burrum Biodynamics. I guess I could share them here if you don't know of them. Have any of you been involved in that type of thing. If so I would love to hear about it. Thx Mark

End of an era - last conference at Greenwoods - and time's running out to register!

Anna Hawkins — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:37:47 +0000

Dear BDAAA members

After nearly 40 years of inviting our members to gather on their property for our annual conference, the Greenwood family has made the difficult decision that the gathering next month will be their last.

“It’s been a wonderful journey, with so many happy memories,” Lynton shared in a conversation this week.

“The first gathering here happened in 1986 when my father Farry invited everyone to the orchard for ‘a dose of reality’. We sat on bales of hay, ate food we’d all brought to share, and talked and talked. My father died a few months later.”

“The following year we did it again, but with more members planning to attend and a bit of an effort to find enough chairs and food for all. Everyone chipped in and it just grew from there. After that one I said to Alex, ‘If you want to do it again, I’ll do it for you.’ We then ran it for 33 years straight before Covid put us on pause for a few years.”

“I’m saddened next month’s conference will be our last time hosting, but really looking forward to the next generation of members coming forward. And we old timers need to support them in everything they do.”

If you want to experience the BDAAA conference in its original home at the Greenwoods Orchards, the 2026 conference next month will be your last chance, and time is running out to register…

REGISTER HERE BY 3rd JULY

The ebullient Lynton Greenwood (above) and his family have offered a warm welcome to all BDAAA members for nearly 40 years

New Australian Demeter Biodynamic Youtube channel

Mark Rathbone — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 09:41:53 +0000

Hi Everyone

Recently we put up our very own Youtube channel.

Link here

Australian Demeter BD Youtube

This is designed to showcase who we are and what we do , so that

1. Farmers who are looking for alternatives, know we exist.

2. New alternative farmers can evaluate our methods to start their journey.

3. To provide Audio books that everyone can revise quickly whilst working.

4. To provide a representation of BDAAA in this ever competitive alternative agricultural space .

If you can provide some feedback as to how you are finding the experience it would be appreciated.

Do you use Youtube as a listening platform?

What device did you play it on?

Have you listened whilst you worked?

Do you feel a sense of community when you see our organisation being represented on social media?

What would you like to see or hear on this channel?

The banner picture on the channel is an old, what would you prefer to see here?

Any feedback would be good, before we dive too deep into this project.

Cheers Mark Rathbone

Feedback from the introductory lectures Audio Recording.

Mark Rathbone — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 03:11:51 +0000

Hi Everyone

Recently we put out the Introductory Lecture 1 from Alex's Book into audio form. I was wondering if anybody has listened to it and if there is any feedback as to how you found that experience.

Was it loud enough?

What device did you play it on?

Could you listen whilst you worked?

Was it good to have something BD to listen to?

Any feedback would be good, before we dive too deep into this project.

Cheers Mark

Expressions of interest - BDAAA farm visits

Anna Hawkins — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:27:57 +0000

It's some years now since Alex Podolinsky was alive and actively visiting BD farms, spreading his passion and experience, and ensuring the energy of our BD farmers didn't wain. The BDAAA Executive has discussed options to reinstate farm visits for those members who would benefit from some one-on-one mentoring in person, a bit of personal guidance or support with their BD endeavours, or just a farm walk and a chat with a trusted second pair of eyes. We thought we would start by putting feelers out to see if there is any interest in this among our members. Please send an email to anna@demeterbiodynamic.com.au if you feel you could benefit from this opportunity.

Introductory field day at Gooligulch Farm, Hoddles Creek - 30th November 2025

Anna Hawkins — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 03:25:28 +0000

Please spread the word to any of your BD curious peers - this is our last Introductory field day aimed at commercial farmers for the year.

It’s always good to have a few experienced BDAAA members in attendance to share their knowledge and support the practical components of the day too so consider getting along if you are interested in a refresher or to help out. BDAAA members are welcome to attend for free - you can register via the following link.

https://demeterbiodynamic.com.au/events/gooligulch-farm-hoddles-creek-yarra-valley-vic/

Simon McLachlan of Gooligulch Farm is an experienced Demeter Biodynamic practitioner and trainer. He produces strawberries, eggs, avocado, nashi and chestnuts on his Demeter Certified Biodynamic farm in the Yarra Valley.

This field day is aimed at commercial farmers interested in learning about the Australian Demeter Biodynamic method of agriculture for potential application on their property.

Location: Hoddles Creek, Victoria

Time: 9.30 am start until about 3.30 pm.

Bring: BYO lunch (tea and coffee provided)

SM1-Gooligulch-Farm.jpg

Annual conference survey

Anna Hawkins — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 01:52:54 +0000

Dear members

Following our annual gathering on 26-27th July at the Greenwoods in Merrigum, where 75 members reconnected and heard updates and case studies from our peers, I would appreciate your feedback on the following questions. You can put your answers in a reply to this discussion topic, or email me directly if you'd prefer via anna@demeterbiodynamic.com.au. Thanks to those who've already submitted their preferences via email.

When would it suit you to attend the annual conference (ie which month/s and day/s of the week)?
Where would you be prepared to travel to attend the annual conference (ie which State/s and region/s)?
Do you have any particular topics or speakers you would like to see on a future agenda?

Produce that are under new safety regulations,

Mark Rathbone — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:09:40 +0000

In Victoria, Australia, leafy vegetables that are consumed raw are subject to specific food safety rules and regulations under Agriculture Victoria. This includes vegetables like lettuces, kale, baby leaf, chicory, cabbages, watercress, and leafy herbs and melons (including watermelon, rockmelon, honeydew melon, and piel de sapo. Also includes strawberries, blueberries, and those from the Rubus genus (like raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries, etc.).The regulations, which came into effect in February 2025, require businesses that grow or perform primary processing of these vegetables to identify and control food safety hazards.