Nine hundred activists, educators, entrepreneurs, farmers, gardeners, and others gathered in Portland, Oregon November 14-18, 2018 for the North American Biodynamic Conference. The theme was “Transforming the Heart of Agriculture. Soil. Justice. Regeneration.” It was my first conference and a delightful experience. I enjoyed meeting likeminded people and learning more about biodynamics by taking part in workshops and attending lectures. It inspired me to apply for the Biodynamic Farmer Foundation Year program, which I will begin in early April 2019. It is difficult for me to sum up my experience in words, so I have posted a few photographs. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. 

I have read Agriculture Course: The birth of the Biodynamic Method by Rudolf Steiner, the George Adams translation, but nothing prepared me for the five-day biodynamic immersive experience. It began with the Field Day at “Malibu Compost: Building Living Soils,” with Colum Riley and Clay Wesson. About 40 people braved the inclement weather, and toured one of Malibu Compost’s facilities, learning about the process from start to finish. Colum and Clay focused on the role of biodynamic preparations and even allowed us to inoculate piles. 

The following day I went to the “Core Principles and Practices of Making and Using All of the Preparations workshop,” facilitated by Lloyd Nelson (Biodynamic Source) and Jeff Poppen (Barefoot Farmer). They summarized chapter 4 and 5 of Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course and offered hands-on demonstrations. It was fascinating handling the preparations, and using all my senses to feel them.

 

I spent a majority of the conference volunteering, which gave me the opportunity to visit with the staff of the Biodynamic Association and mingle with participants from around North America. I also spent time talking with the exhibitors, which supported the mission of the Biodynamic Association.

The Biodynamic Association (BDA) awakens and enlivens co-creative relationships between humans and the earth, transforming the practice and culture of agriculture to renew the vitality of the earth, the integrity of our food, and the health and wholeness of our communities.

As March winds to an end, I would like to encourage you to take time and explore the Biodynamic Association website and ask yourself if its mission resonates with you. (Also, take a moment and watch a short video from Kiss the Ground, titled What Does Biodynamic Mean?) If it does, consider supporting them during their Spring Membership Appeal. Perhaps you will be inspired to attend the 2019 Biodynamic Conference. The theme is “Cultivating Relationships. Earth. Cosmos. Community.”