The opening lecture of this year’s Midwinter Agriculture Intensive will explore the seven types of wood used in the seven pairs of columns of the first Goetheanum, their relationship to the seven planets, and their influences on the kingdoms of nature.

In the heart of the winter each year we pick a poignant theme from Rudolf Steiner’s lectures on agriculture and celebrate it with artistic activities, presentations, small and large group discussions, and festive meals! More details about this year’s event are forthcoming. 

Hugh Williams and Hanna Bail, owners and operators of Threshold Farm, will share their perspective on unfolding the living being of their particular farm individuality. Also covered: the science and art of pruning fruit trees, including a few hours of hands-on learning, pruning our own orchard under Hugh and Hanna’s expert guidance

In the morning Craig Holdrege explores how to work with the living dynamic qualities of plants and animals to better understand the world around us. In the afternoon, Sherry Wildfeuer, the founder of the Stella Natura planting calendar, explains how the calendar is created, what it tells us, and how we can use it to learn to work with nature’s rhythms and forces.

Using barrel compost, a biodynamic compound preparation, is an efficient way to boost soil fertility. Mac Mead leads the class through every step of making this valuable substance, and how to use it. Mac also covers weed, pest, and fungus control, using biodynamic preparations and peppers. Seeding methods and supportive cultural practices in the greenhouse will be covered as well as detailed planning of the gardening year.

The biodynamic horn silica preparation influences color, flavor, nutritional, and keeping quality of produce and forage. Mac Mead leads the class in making and using this preparation. We will also dig up the horn manure preparation that was buried in the September class and make the biodynamic nettle preparation. Biodynamic tree paste will also be made and applied to our fruit trees. Megan Durney will cover the role of the honeybee in the farm organism and the household of nature, and lead a visit to our apiary.