When: Saturday, October 17th - Sunday, October 18th
Where: Against The Grain Farm, Zionville, NC |
Join Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, Against The Grain Farm, and Jeff Poppen for a weekend of learning on a working biodynamic farm! Learn about biodynamic farming in three different sessions covering:
Composting: On Saturday morning we will explore the living forces that are present in the soil and how biodynamic preparations can be used to enliven compost piles to further vitalize the farm. We will discuss the ingredients and methods we use to make compost on our farm, and why compost is extremely important for growing nutritious crops. We have a series of compost piles in all different stages so folks can compare and certainly bring forth questions about making their own compost. BD500: On Saturday afternoon we will take a look at the Horn Manure preparation, "BD500," and talk about how it's made, how it's put out, and its influence on the farm. We will physically put some out at the farm here with the group, and also discuss the importance of the balance between BD500 and Horn Silica, "BD501." These preparations help us to grow our food in living soil, again emphasizing encouraging vitality on the farm, because "when the crops feed us, they should not merely fill our stomachs but also further our inner life, the end view being the best sustenance of human nature that's possible." Open Discussion with Jeff Poppen "The Barefoot Farmer": Sunday mid-morning we will have an open discussion, if anyone would like to bring their own farming or market garden questions (biodynamic or in general) that they would like to ask Jeff. We will certainly be talking about and cover a variety of biodynamic and good farming practice topics. |
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We believe that the educational and professional development of tomorrow’s growers and producers informs the health of our diverse local-food system and rural economy.
Based upon CRAFT models like Organic Growers School's WNC CRAFT and similar apprenticeship networks, Blue Ridge CRAFT connects aspiring farmers with experienced farmers and encourages innovative on-farm educational and professional experiences. Providing tools to established farmers that will enhance their mentorship abilities is central to Blue Ridge CRAFT's efforts. CRAFT first emerged in New York's Hudson Valley in 1994 as "a cooperative effort of local organic and biodynamic farms organized to enhance educational opportunities for farm apprentices." And, it has since spread to many other communities. Each organization is unique, but dedicated to the advancement of tomorrow's growers. To learn more about other CRAFT organizations, click here. In the fall of 2014, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture was approached by established farmers seeking a way to provide structured education and training to their on-farm apprentices. Through further input from the community, Blue Ridge CRAFT was formed in 2015 with the goals of:
As we work together to form a more resilient and just food system and local economy, Blue Ridge CRAFT believes that is imperative that we encourage candid, meaningful conversations, form durable and inclusive partnerships, engage best practices, and excite innovation and creativity. |
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