by Marina O’Connell

One hundred years ago this month Rudolf Steiner delivered eight lectures on a new kind of farming that were the precursor to Biodynamic Farming. These lectures were given in response to a request from German farmers who had noticed that the quality and growth of their crops and livestock were declining. Ten years earlier, nitrate fertiliser had been invented and introduced to farming, and we now understand that these destroy the soil biome. It is the soil biome that keeps soil healthy and nutritious for crops, livestock and ultimately people.

Biodynamic farming is a practice that, at its essence, repairs the soil microbiome through the addition of fermented cow manure and herbal preparations.

It focuses on creating a closed loop farm that dances to the rhythms of the moon, planets and the stars. This itself is based on ancient European farming practices (mirrored in different traditions all over the world).

It also focuses on the three-fold aspect of creating farms that work for the environment, are economically viable, and that are socially connected.

It is only now, 100 years later that we can even begin to really comprehend how important these three aspects are when addressing the multiple challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and how to feed a growing population.

As a farming practice it does ask a little bit more from farmers, as they spend a few days per year applying these preparations to the land.

Some farmers, like us at the Apricot centre, also make the preparations ourselves, which takes a bit longer.

What I have found carrying out this practice, is that you, as thee farmer, spend some days per year paying attention to things you might not otherwise pay attention to in the hurly burly of modern farming.

You spend time checking the alignment of the moon and stars for the application of the preparations (these are in a handy calendar so it is not that difficult). You spend some time making them, and then you spend some time applying them.

All of this means that you go to all of the corners of the farm, and pay attention to it and give it a gift.

This practice is the only form of biological farming that requires you to give something back to your farm. An act of reciprocity, gratitude for all that the farm has provided for you.

As indigenous cultures around the world understand, it is important to have a reciprocal relationship with nature, or as our mothers teach their children, "always say thank you" !

As Robin Wall Kimmer says, “…we are all bound by a covenant of reciprocity; plant breath for animal breath, winter and summer, predator and prey, grass and fire, night and day, living and dying. Soils and rocks know they are dancing in the continuous giveaway of making and unmaking, and making again the earth".

Biodynamic farming builds on the ancient practices of peasant farming systems, what today we call "Agroecology”, to create a truly modern and regenerative system of farming that is capable of addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and feeding people with healthy delicious food.

The Apricot Centre celebrates, embraces and honours Steiner for his extraordinary insight 100 years ago, and regularly trains others in these practices.

We are currently planning a day of making preparations and a holding feast in the autumn.