Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Assoc. 2008 National Conference
AGRICULTURE & SPIRITUALITY
Celebrating 70 Years of Biodynamics in the United States
August 1-3, 2008 at Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA
keynotes by Dennis Klocek, Hugh Williams

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Biodynamics (literally: life forces) is an agricultural method developed from indications given by Rudolf Steiner in a series of 1924 lectures. The Agriculture Lectures were his response to concerns of farmers and veterinarians about the deteriorating health and vitality of their crops and animals. Rudolf Steiner laid the foundation for a new way of thinking about the relationship of the earth and the formative forces of nature. The practical methods he outlined were intended, above all, to revitalize natural forces which are depleted by modern agricultural practices. Thus, Biodynamics became the first organized organic approach to farming.

The underlying picture of a Biodynamic farm is that of a self-sufficient organism. Although impossible to fully attain, it is the goal of the Biodynamic farm to provide for all of it's own needs. Any external input brought onto the farm is considered medicine for a sick organism. At the heart of the Biodynamic method is the use of compost made with homeopathically applied herbal preparations and the use of mineral- and manure-based spray preparations for the land and plant life. The Biodynamic practitioner enlivens the farm by applying the Biodynamic compost and spray preparations in cooperation with the natural rhythms of the earth and of the cosmos.

As a practice, Biodynamics heals and balances the land, the individuals that work it, and the community it supports. As a philosophy, rooted in Anthroposophy, Biodynamics offers a spiritual path that moves the practitioner beyond physical labor into a deeper, more intimate connection with themselves, the earth and the cosmos.

Here at Rudolf Steiner College, Biodynamics is both practiced and taught. Read more about our farm, the Raphael Garden CSA, and our educational offerings below.