Neil and Anna Hawkins took over a small, conventionally farmed vineyard and winery 10 years ago and have converted it into a certified Demeter Biodynamic operation. They’ve also planted a second vineyard down the road where they prepared the soils for three years using the biodynamic method prior to planting and will pick their first crop of BD certified Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in March 2025.

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: 370 Koonwarra-Inverloch Rd, Koonwarra, Victoria

Time: 9.30 am start until about 3.30 pm.

Bring: BYO lunch (tea and coffee provided)

Topics covered will include:

• History and development of biodynamic farming and growing
• Plant feeding within nature
• Soil cultivation to improve soil structure
• Soil humus formation and microbial activity
• Biodynamic plant expression
• Using biodynamic preparation 500
• Prepared 500 (Podolinsky’s 500 plus 502-507)
• Using biodynamic preparation 501
• Stirring and applying the biodynamic preparations
• Preparing soil to receive the biodynamic preparations at the most beneficial time
• Sheet composting and green manures

Activities include:

• Participatory demonstrations of stirring, spraying preparations and green manuring
• Where applicable, farm walks showing Biodynamic results and discussing practical aspects of biodynamic farming
• Quality Australian Demeter Biodynamic preparations are displayed

For further enquiries: info@demeterbiodynamic.com.au

Australian Demeter Biodynamic (ADBD) is committed to running safe and inclusive events to facilitate the education and training of farmers and growers in the Australian Demeter Biodynamic method.