Applied Biodynamics — Issue 096 (Fall/Winter 2019)
Comhroinn
Issue 096 addresses the question of how biodynamic agriculture can respond to increasing demand for healthy food while supporting the viability of more farms. The issue moves from reflective framing into applied case studies, interviews, and institutional developments, maintaining a practical orientation throughout.
In “How Do We Meet the Need for Healthy Food and More Farms?” Abigail Porter frames structural challenges facing contemporary agriculture, including land access, economic pressure, and farmer sustainability. Biodynamics is presented as a method emphasizing soil regeneration, human responsibility, and farm individuality rather than scale expansion.
“Stony Ridge Farm: Transitioning to a Market Garden” documents a farm shifting production and management toward a market-garden model. The article reports on changes in crop selection, soil management, labor organization, and preparation use, emphasizing gradual adaptation and learning through seasonal feedback.
In “If Farming Isn’t Always Good Vibes and Friendly Fairies, Is It Still Worth It?” N. McGill reflects on the emotional and physical realities of farming. The article contextualizes biodynamic work within perseverance and responsibility rather than idealized expectations, without introducing technical procedures.
“Winter Green: A Model for Future Farms” profiles an integrated farm emphasizing education, mentorship, and diversified production. The article describes how biodynamic principles support long-term farm continuity through training and community engagement.
“For the Earth as for Human Beings: Mac Mead on Making the Biodynamic Preparations” presents an interview detailing preparation making as a disciplined practice. Materials, timing, handling, and attentiveness are described, emphasizing repeatability and observational learning rather than innovation.
The issue includes “In Memory of Alex Podolinsky,” recognizing his contributions to biodynamic agriculture, particularly large-scale preparation application and farmer education.
In “Permadynamics: Conceptual Marriage of Permaculture and Biodynamics in Farm Design Introduced at JPI,” Pat Frazier reports on integrating permaculture design principles with biodynamic preparation work and seasonal rhythms at JPI.
The issue concludes with “Introducing Our Newest Board Member: Teresa O’Shaughnessy, Secretary,” documenting governance continuity at the Institute.
Articles
- How Do We Meet the Need for Healthy Food and More Farms? (A. Porter)
- Stony Ridge Farm: Transitioning to a Market Garden (A. Porter)
- If Farming Isn't Always Good Vibes and Friendly Fairies, Is It Still Worth It? (N. McGill)
- Winter Green: A Model for Future Farms (A. Porter)
- For the Earth as for Human Beings: Mac Mead on Making the Biodynamic Preparations (K. Brown)
- In Memory of Alex Podolinsky (M. Maruca)
- Permadynamics: Conceptual Marriage of Permaculture and Biodynamics in Farm Design Introduced at JPI (P. Frazier)
- Introducing Our Newest Board Member: Teresa O'Shaughnessy, Secretary
Key Topics Covered
- Farm transition challenges and opportunities
- Market garden conversion processes
- Emotional realities of farming work
- Preparation making materials timing and handling
- Farm education and mentorship models
- Integration of permaculture and biodynamics
- Institutional governance updates
Citation
Applied Biodynamics, Issue 096, Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, Fall/Winter 2019.
