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Save the Date!

 


 
 

November 15-18, 2012

Monona Terrace, Madison, Wisconsin
 

We're working to create an exciting array of workshops, keynote speakers, and community-building activities. Stay tuned for more details.

 

Connect with the biodynamic community. Consider being a conference sponsor, vendor, or advertiser. Click here (pdf) for details.

 

We hope to see you there! 

 
Are you wondering how you can learn more about biodynamics, or do you know someone who is?
 
Mac Mead workshop at national conference  
 
Check out our new 
12 Ways page for suggestions and links
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Welcome to Our New Biodynamic Research Program Coordinator

 

Sarah Weber on a recent visit 
to Siberia

We are excited to introduce you to Sarah Weber, our new
Biodynamic Research Program Coordinator. Starting later this month, Sarah will work with the Biodynamic Research Working Group to help launch the Association's research program and facilitate a planning process for a long-term collaborative research project. 

 

Based in Squamish, Cascadia, Sarah conducted a biodynamic apprenticeship at C-Dar Lodge Farm, has long taken part in preparation making, and organized and helped teach biodynamic courses. She completed her M.Sc. in Forestry and B.Sc. in Natural Resources Conservation at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Sarah has spent numerous years walking the woods conducting fieldwork for wildlife surveys, forest ecology, silviculture, and as a backcountry park ranger. More recently, she has worked as a social scientist for an environmental consulting company. She is inspired by gardening and adventuring in the outdoors with her husband and their black dog by foot, bike, boat, and skis. 

New Books for Spring Inspiration!

A new, very practical book by Pierre Masson offers detailed insights into biodynamic growing. This is a useful resource for both new and already practicing biodynamic farmers and gardeners.

First the film, now the book! Beekeeper Thea Maria Carlson gives it a great review, calls it "a call to action as well as an inspiration, appealing to our hearts and minds." Read her full review here. Both the film and the book are now in stock.

 

While supplies last!

 

GMOs: What's Happening

Lawsuit Against Monsanto Dismissed 
On February 27, a federal judge dismissed the landmark lawsuit against Monsanto brought by organic and Biodynamic farmers, seed growers, and organizations (including Biodynamic certifier Demeter USA). According to the judge, the plaintiffs' allegations were "unsubstantiated" and overstated the threat posed by Monsanto's enforcement of its GMO patent rights. No decision has been made yet about an appeal.  

Just Label It! Petition Nearing 1 Million Signatures 

Just Label It!Most Americans agree that GMOs should be labeled. The Just Label It! campaign is getting close to its goal of 1 million signatures on its petition to the FDA. We are proud to be part of this broad-based coalition, and we encourage you to visit their site, watch the video, and help them spread the word.


State Labeling Efforts   
 

Californians are continuing their efforts to gather the 800,000 signatures needed by April 22 to get a bill to label GMOs on the 2012 ballot. Visit the Label GMOs site to find out more, including, if you live in California, how you can help.

 

Another state effort to require GMO labeling comes from the Vermont legislature, which is considering a bill called the "VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act." This legislation would prohibit the use of language such as "natural" or "naturally grown" on GMO products. You can read the full bill here.

Cows with Horns                           

Why do many biodynamic farmers find it important that cows are allowed to keep their horns? What is problematic about the practice of de-horning? Why is the Swiss parliament considering this issue? 

As this video explains, Rudolf Steiner gave insight to this issue many decades ago. 
Join the Farm-Based Educators Inspired by Anthroposophy

group at FBEIBA retreat
3rd Annual FBEIBA Retreat, November 2011
Are you involved in educating children and youth on the farm? 
If so, check out Farm-Based Educators Inspired by Anthroposophy (FBEIBA)You can now sign up for a new quarterly FBEIBA e-news. The inaugural e-news included an article on "Farming and Culture in the United States," an overview of the 3rd annual FBEIBA retreat, and a look at funding issues and future trends in the Outdoor Lesson Program. To subscribe, look for the "Update Profile/Email Address" link at the bottom of this email, and check the FBEIBA box. 
Opportunities                              

The following is a sample of opportunities posted on our website. For a full and current list of opportunities available, or to submit a post, please visit our forums
 
Seeking biodynamic/organic farmer manager: live and work on 14,000-acre biodynamic farm and ranch on island of Molokai, HI.

Herdsperson position: Thanksgiving Farm in Sillivan County, NY, owned and operated by the Center for Discovery.

Estate gardener sought: permanent year-round position on private residential estate.

Interns sought for herb farm: Shining Mountain Herbs, a small certified organic medicinal herb farm in Ridgeway, CO.

Apprenticeship openings: Center for Community Empowerment / Living Roots Ecovillage in Jasper, IN.

Two apprentices sought: Aspen Moon Biodynamic Farm in Longmont, CO, a certified organic/Biodynamic farm.

Full-time interns sought: Riverglen Biodynamic Farm, a certified Biodynamic farm in Ottawa.

Two interns sought: Waverly Farms in Burkeville, VA, seeking interns to help expand second-year CSA.

Starting up Organic Living Center: seeking group of people interested in membership in ShareEarth farm in the Pacific NW. 

Farmland for lease: 16 acres in Media, PA under preservation easement with the Natural Lands Trust.

Caretaking/farming opportunity: seeking live-in intern, individual or couple on 80 acres in Greene County, NY.
Upcoming Events

This is a sample of upcoming events on our website calendar. Click the link to see details for these and other events in 2012, or to submit an event.
 
Mar. 10: Introduction to Beekeeping, Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary, Floyd, VA
 
Mar. 10: Gardening Tips from a Biodynamic/Organic Perspective, with Jeff Poppen, Nashville, TN
 
Mar. 10: Tree Care and Animal Husbandry, Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA
 
 
Mar. 14: Sex in the Garden: The Lower Plants, with Dennis Klocek, Petaluma, CA
 
Mar. 17: Get Your Garden Up and Running, Part 2, Boulder Waldorf Kindergarten, Boulder, CO
 
Mar. 24: The Honeybee (Natural Beekeeping Series), Rudolf Steiner College, Fair Oaks, CA
 
Mar. 24 and 31: Building Season Extenders, Part 1 and 2, with James Barausky and Cheryl Mulholland, Aspen Moon Farm, Hygiene, CO

Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association
[email protected] www.biodynamics.com (262) 649-9212