Just two weeks ago I began my journey with Windrose Farms as a personal assistant to Barbara. Having been involved in the management of two other sustainable farms in the past, Windrose looked like my farm dream come true. I was loosely familiar with the term “biodynamic”, but knew I had a lot more to learn on the subject. To that end I began researching online, and to my delight found there is a veritable cornucopia of literature on the subject… an entire century’s worth, in fact.
Google “Rudolf Steiner” (the founder of biodynamics), and you will immediately be overwhelmed by essays, lectures and treatises on a wide array of subjects including, but not limited to: spiritual development, agriculture, architecture, social reform, philosophy, theology, and psychology. The man was prolific to say the least, and in just one lifetime accomplished more that most could in a hundred lives. Being that there is already exhaustive information on the web about Steiner and his philosophies, I will let the reader explore them on their own, and instead focus on Bill and Barbara Spencer’s take on the matter.
A loose definition of biodynamics would go something like this: A system of agriculture, which views the farm as a cohesive unit, a distinct eco-system with its own particular needs and idiosyncrasies. Such an eco-system necessitates a high level of biodiversity and is ideally self sufficient, meaning inputs such as animal feed, compost and fertilizer come from the farm itself instead of an outside source. Therefore biodynamic farms incorporate livestock, usually ruminants such as cows, goats, or in our case sheep, into their crop rotations and cultivation cycles. These animals eat weeds and organic matter left after harvest, and in turn provide fertilizer and compost for future plantings.
Another very important and somewhat unique tenant of biodynamic agriculture is the recognition of the spirituality of farming. Biodynamic farmers recognize that there are forces at work on their land that are as yet unrecognized by science. In the words of Bill Spencer, “I view biodynamics like organized religion, in that it is man’s attempt to codify that which is obvious to most reasonable people, that there is a spirituality to life. Barbara and I avoid the dogma that tends to come with such a codified system, and instead benefit from the knowledge of eco-spiritual systems that biodynamics provides.
I was lucky enough yesterday morning to catch Barbara when she had a minute to explain her perspective on why they call themselves biodynamic:
“Looking at how we farm, the closest thing to how we do things is Biodynamic. As far as Steiner’s beliefs are concerned, our personal beliefs were right in line with his before we ever encountered his philosophies.”
I must point out the fact that Windrose Farm is not yet certified biodynamic, though they are actively working towards that end. The Spencer’s farm was certified organic for ten years between 1999 and 2009. When asked why they are no longer certified organic, Barbara replied, “We are no longer certified organic because we no longer believe that label and set of standards represents what we do here. That set of standards and that system of farming is increasingly being driven by large scale industrial farms, so it no longer is a suitable fit.”
The Spencers have a few more hurdles to clear before they can be certified biodynamic, but every day brings them a little bit closer. According to Barbara, even if they never get officially certified, they will continue their commitment to biodynamic principles and methods.
In the words of farmer Bill, “For Windrose it’s about balancing the philosophy of biodynamics; maintaining a biologically diverse bit of land, and honoring the spirituality of that land.”
If you are interested in learning more about biodynamic agriculture, visit The Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association's website.
