Biodynamic Agriculture

Dear Friends of Bear River Farms,

In the early 1920’s, agriculture in was gripped by clearly visible changes. The orientation towards technology, science and profit-making became dominant and was leading progressively towards a non-distinction between agriculture and industry.

Many farmers in Europe inwardly faced this development with great concern and growing doubts. A group of farmers pressed Rudolf Steiner for advice and to hear about his insights for agriculture from a spiritual scientific perspective.

In 1924 Steiner gave a series of eight lectures that are now known to be the foundation for biodynamic farming.

The record of the lectures presents a complete reversal of the mechanical-materialistic causal analysis of matter in agriculture. On these methods rest the obvious results in modern agribusiness. At the same time, however, it is also one of the cardinal causes for the questionable biological condition of the earth.

In a comprehensive picture Steiner presents the complex dynamic relationships that are at work in nature and gives basic indications of the practical measures which are necessary for bringing them into full play. To facilitate this, he prescribes specific ‘preparations’ for the soil, as well as other distinct methods born from his profound understanding of the material as well as spiritual worlds.

The lectures are not a normal textbook on agriculture, yet they open up new ways of understanding the wholeness out of which agricultural products come into being. It involves working with the cosmos, the earth, and spiritual entities.

Today, almost 100 years after the Agricultural Course, about 3,500 farms worldwide manage 670,000 hectares of land, and more then 3,500 Demeter (Biodynamic) products are available in specialized stores. The group of producers using the Demeter certification trademark/logo is the largest provider of certified organic products worldwide.

If you operate or plan to operate a biodynamic farm/homestead/vineyard/garden, or if you are interested in what it is that really feeds us in the food we eat, the reading (and understanding) of those lectures is absolutely necessary.

To study this essential work by one’s self seems to be a difficult undertaking, especially when approaching it for the first time. By doing this together with a group of like-minded people and under the guidance of a person who is already familiar with the subject you will find it much easier to get access to the deeper insights of the subject matter.

You are welcome to join our Workshop

Friday March 6^th to Monday March 9^th 2020

At bear River Farms, 344 Waldeck Line Rd. Waldeck West, Nova Scotia

Agenda for all four days:

8:30-9:00 Breakfast

9:00-1:00 Lecture (Coffee break at 11:00)

1:00-2:00 Lunch / Personal time

2:00-6:00 Lecture (Coffee break at 4:00)

7:00-8:00 Supper / personal time

Workshop fee is $560+tax (Without accommodations $380+Tax)

A credit card or e-transfer is required at time of booking.

Included are 3 nights, all meals, Lecture Materials and one set of preparations.

An extra night before and/or after the event, can be booked for $60+tax per night.

Our apartments are simple, clean and comfortable. We have twin and double rooms available. All you need to bring to this workshop are a set of coloured pencils and a tooth brush! J

Please note: Participants in this workshop will get a 50% discount off the upcoming Biodynamic Prep-Days at Bear River Farms (Sunday April 26^th and October 4^th 2020) when booked and paid together with this workshop. ($200+tax $100+tax)

To book this event please email us at: feedback@bearriverfarms.org or call 902 467 0418

For more information visit www.bearriverfarms.org