LEARNING & EVENTS
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Introductory Field Days 2022
The most effective way to learn about Biodynamics is by attending a field day. The Australian Demeter Biodynamic method is covered at all field days but some are directed towards commercial-scale farmers, others for small growers and gardeners.
Saturday 25/6/22, The Wine Farm, Koonwarra, South Gippsland, Victoria
Neil and Anna Hawkins recently gained full Demeter Biodynamic certification for their small vineyard and winery and are starting the process from scratch on a new vineyard site nearby. This field day is aimed at commercial-scale farmers but all welcome.
Sunday 17/7, Wallington, Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria
David and Lindy Nash planned the orchard layout and garden on their 2 1/2 acre property on the Bellarine Peninsula back in 1987 and today have approximately 50 different fruit trees, including various stone fruit, pomegranate, fig and citrus, as well as grapes and berries. They have been BD members for over 25 years using 500, tree preps, compost making, green manuring, crop rotation and growing seed for the BD seedbank.
As well as some introductory information about the Australian Demeter Biodynamic method, this is a ‘fruit tree day’ and will include the BD tree preparation – how to make and apply; as well as a pruning demonstration and grafting overview. Aimed at small growers and gardeners and open to both existing members (BDGA/BDAAA) and all those keen to learn.
Sunday 24/7, Vortex Veggies, Inverleigh, Victoria
Darren Aitken produces certified Demeter Biodynamic vegetables and seeds on his market garden, Vortex Veggies. This field day is aimed at commercial scale farmers. Small growers are welcome to attend if space permits.
Saturday 10/9, Burrum Biodynamics, Marnoo West, north-west Victoria
Steve and Tania Walters started converting their farm to Biodynamics in the year 2000 and today produce a range of fully certified grains including oats, spelt, rye, wheat and lentils that they process in their own on-farm facility. This field day is aimed at commercial scale farmers. Small growers are welcome to attend if space permits.
Sunday 11/9, Buninyong, Victoria
Keith McCallum’s property at Buninyong, south-east of Ballarat, produces a wide range of fruit and vegetables for household and community consumption, on a small scale (100 fruit and nut trees, 1/4 acre of vegetables and berries). Keith has been learning to apply the Australian Demeter BD method for over 40 years, with BD composting and green manuring part of the routine. This field day is aimed at small growers and gardeners.
Date tbc, The Smiths Dairy, Mepunga, south-west Victoria
The Smiths are sixth generation dairy farmers producing Demeter Certified raw milk, hay, cattle and pasture. This field day is aimed at commercial scale farmers. Small growers are welcome to attend if space permits.
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Australian Demeter Biodynamic (ADBD) is committed to running safe and inclusive events to facilitate the education and training of farmers and practitioners in the Australian Demeter Biodynamic method. ADBD field days are run in accordance with all relevant government regulations. Attendees are encouraged to practise good hygiene, maintain physical distancing and are respectfully asked to stay home if unwell.
Introductory Field Days
More Information
Introductory field days are held across the country at different times of the year.
Topics covered 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 introduced: 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
- Building a Biodynamic compost heap and using compost preparations 502-507
- Sheet composting and green manures
- Using the Biodynamic astrological sowing chart
Activities include:
- Participatory demonstrations of stirring, spraying preparations, building a compost heap and green manuring
- Where applicable, farm walks showing Bio-Dynamic results and discussing practical aspects of Bio-Dynamic farming
- Quality Australian Demeter Bio-Dynamic preparations are displayed
Successful completion of an introductory field day facilitates membership of either the Biodynamic Growers Australia or the Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Australia, depending on your scale. Information and application forms are available on the day.
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Australian Demeter Biodynamic (ADBD) is committed to running safe and inclusive events to facilitate the education and training of farmers and practitioners in the Australian Demeter Biodynamic method. ADBD field days are run in accordance with all relevant government regulations. Attendees are encouraged to practise good hygiene, maintain physical distancing and are respectfully asked to stay home if unwell.
Learning Resources
A series of books and DVDs covering the Australian Demeter Bio-Dynamic practices can be purchased at biodynamic.com.au
For books – click here.
Suggested books to start with are:
- Alex Podolinsky Lectures, Volume 1
- Living Agriculture
Download Resources
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2011 Lecture Written version of an address given to farmers at a field day on a Bio-Dynamic grazing / cropping property near Young, NSW, Australia. Discusses (world-wide) problem of loss of water storage due to compaction of soils. Shows how Bio-Dynamics can remedy this situation. |
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Bio-Dynamics Agriculture of the Future Excellent introduction to the Bio-Dynamic method, provides a comprehensive, yet easily readable, explanation of the difference between organic and Bio-Dynamic farming and resulting product quality. |
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Living Agriculture Topics include: reclamation of salt affected farming land under Bio-Dynamic management / humus vs organic matter and their qualitatively differing effects on soil and plant feeding / education and training of farmers. |
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Living Knowledge Topics include: Classic Natural Science vs Hypothetical Science / correct stirring of 500 reflected in Kepler’s 3 Laws / life implanting action of Chaos / 3 types of viewing – imagination, intuition, inspiration. |
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IFOAM Conference Address 2005 Addresses the problem of Australian agriculture as world phosphate reserves diminish, providing a truly sustainable alternative to the modern approach of “input” farming – which is occurring even on organic farms. |
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Several videos are available to view here
Soil Conversion |
