What is Biodynamics?
As with Organic production, the use of GMO’s, synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, or
pesticides are not permitted. This comprehensive organic farming method requires the creation and
management of a closed system. Farmers must be minimally dependent on imported materials, meeting all needs of living dynamics within the farm itself. This self-contained farm is the ultimate model of sustainability and environmental preservation. In essence, the farm or landscape’s Biology is elevated into a dynamic state. The founder of Biodynamic Agriculture, Dr. Rudolf Steiner believed, “That by Helping Mother Nature with the Perfection of Her offspring”, we could in fact help heal the Planet.” (Comments made in response to the devastation he personally witnessed in the aftermath of World War I). We base all of our work on his teachings and continue “testing these things out”, creating new ways forward improving the original baseline of biodynamics. All of our landscape and farming activities are done in harmony with the Lunar cycles and in conjunction with the stars, including the Sun. We sprout and plant all of our crops in our farm’s biodynamic compost for instantaneous assimilation and exponential growth.
What is Biodynamic Agriculture?
Biodynamic Agriculture is a “holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and
nutrition” based on a series of lectures given by Dr. Rudolf Steiner (Demeter International). Dr. Steiner’s comprehensive organic farming method requires biodynamic farmers to reconnect with the Spiritual side of Nature, creating and managing a farm as a closed spherical system (Microcosm). Preceding the USDA NOP organic standards by decades, biodynamic farming practices are Self-generating, meeting all of its fertility and regenerative needs from the Living Dynamics of the Farm itself. We harmonize our efforts with the Moon, as she has dominion over water on Earth including the distant Constellations/Astrological signs, which elementally influence the forces of creation here on Earth. These ‘Forces’ are amplified in concert with the Moon’s waxing or waning gravitational forces that influence the flow of all water/life in all on Earth(Oceans at high or low tide). The key of “Alchemy” is the timing of things, specifically as it relates to coalescence of these forces to our farm’s location here in Detroit, Michigan.
The heart of the Regenerative-Biodynamic Farm’s fertility system is the sequestering/recycling of the
carbon that it creates, in essence a cradle-to-cradle solution. Crop rotation and integration of herbivore
ONLY mammal manure, assist in ELIMINATING any and all petrochemical inputs as compared to
‘Conventional Agricultural’, which can be based on sewage sludge that contaminates the land and erodes into the watershed. Polluted stormwater runoff is devastating to future generations, (think Round-up, red tides, and algae blooms in the Great Lakes Watershed where we live). These factors, in addition to Regenerative-Biodynamic farming’s focus on improving soil health, and biodiversity combine to make it the world’s one and only true agricultural Gold Standard.
For us, the living, breathing ideal model of a complete living ecosystem, (much like you would find in, “a Virgin Forest”.) In such an ecosystem, there is a high degree of self-sufficiency for all biological
inputs/outputs and survival is interdependently connected. Choosing to practice our work in Palmer Park,Detroit, (next to the largest virgin forest within 30 miles of any major US city) was a perfect fit in accordance with Dr. Steiner’s 1924 recommendations. “Fertility and feed arise out of recycling organic material that the Forest- Farm-Local-Horse system generates”. Virgin Oak leaf tissue, volumetrically 1000 of cubic meters, is blended with locally sourced Horse Manure, inoculated with “the biodynamic compost preparations #502-#507”. We combine these elements in harmony with the Spring or Fall Equinoxes, “about 3-weeks before to about 3-weeks after each event”, working with the Moon and Stars in Unity so as to create a spring of Fertility. Pests, insects, and fungus are kept at bay by the virtue of the farm’s Living Vitality. This Fertility/Creation is coupled/married to organic genetic diversity, which enhances the biological vigor of all plants. We are convinced that all disease, (insect infestations mold etc..) are part of Mother Nature’s survival-of-the-fittest divine, regenerative, designed system. They are summoned into action by plants that are weak or suffering. A natural response to a signal of distress, given off by all plants suffering. Typically, this is caused by the soil’s lack of Fertility. These “pests” are part of the Kingdoms of Nature that are specifically purposed with the task of Regeneration/Natural selection which dictates that all weak or subordinate species must fall down and be consumed to help rebuild the living soil biology, keeping it alive and well fed.
