BDANC Norcal Community Network:
Updated listings - September 15th, 2021:
Do you have biodynamic services, products, projects, arts, teachings, or needs that you would like to advertise? Send your listings and/or changes to pacificblueoak@gmail.com, and we will publish online periodically over the season. Next update listings due by October 1st.
Alemaya Farm Opportunity: Full-charge experienced organic farmer or farmer couple sought to operate a 73-acre Certified Organic farm near Guinda, in the Capay Valley. Demonstrated history of profitable management required. Prior production was vegetables only. Adding fruits with three newly-planted orchards, and adding grazing animals and chickens in irrigated pasture designed for managed intensive grazing. Acreage available for grains & hay. Must be willing to migrate farm into biodynamic practices (already underway). Substantial salary and profit-share. Possible arrangements to develop your own label along with ours. Rent nearby, park your RV/trailer on the farm, or possibly share a lovely farmhouse. Children and pets OK. Email inquiry to jonathan@alemayafarm.com or call Jonathan at 650-619-7963. See: http://www.alemayafarm.com/
ALIANT Alliance, inspired by the ELIANT impulse in Europe by Dr. Michaela Gloeckler and Nikolai Fuchs, is an on-the-ground bridge for doctors, educators, and farmers towards a renewal of culture in North America. Our question, from a weekly study group of Communicating Anthroposophy by Rudolf Steiner, became “What would happen if we each asked the other 'Who is your farmer?'” Could this question connect up with an even wider initiative? 'Who is your farmer?' then became an action research initiative to build renewed enthusiasm for where our food comes from and who are the farmers sowing seeds right now. We are bringing schools both public and Waldorf, as well as individuals and institutions, to partner with a farm in support of the farmer and the land. Our hope is to bring about a renewal of relationship between farmers and communities. Asking the question 'Who is your farmer? then leads to finding out who is one's farmer by visiting the farm and filming or artfully documenting the sowing of seeds. Participants upload videos, art, and photos to our Instagram account to help build enthusiasm, appreciation, and connection to a farm in their area. We love drawings or poems about the spirit of the farm. If you would like to participate please reach out to CirclesforaRenewalofCulture@gmail.com. Frank Agrama, Sally Greenberg, and Dottie Zold are co-leading this initiative for ALIANT in California. Sally's farmer is Steve and Gloria Decater from Live Power Community Farm in Covelo. Who is your Farmer? Please help us spread the word! Who is your farmer- https://www.instagram.com/whoisyourfarmer/
Apis Arborea: We are a nonprofit organization in California that promotes arboreal apiculture and holistic apiology and is part of a pioneering global apian conservation community. Apis Arborea integrates a system-based approach called ‘Wilding’ that represents a shift towards the rehabilitation of natural apian nesting site parameters, biodiversity, dignity & sentience, and the use of a biodynamic and a holistic ecological framework to re-conceptualize apiculture in the anthropocene. www.apisarborea.org
The BDANC Steering Committee needs help with social media, website management, newsletter editing and coordinating evens. If you are interested in joining the steering committee, contact Carolyn at bdancnorcal@gmail.com.
Biodynamic Cotton Tee Shirts, Bandanas, and Tote Bags: These rare cotton items are made from Demeter certified Biodynamic cotton grown and sewn by the SEKEM initiative in Egypt. Tee Shirts $20.00 Tote Bags $15.00 Bandanas $10.00 Shipping $5.00. All items are white and the tote bags are natural canvas Plant Japanese indigo (Persicaria tinctoria) and learn to make beautiful blue dyes from the leaves and provide late season flowers to feed our pollinator friends ! Plant Black Hopi Sunflowers and learn to make interesting magenta to grey dyes from the mature seed hulls and food for our pollinator friends all year ! Plant Cotton / Gossypium and enjoy the beautiful botanical features this plant shares throughout the season including white cotton bolls in Fall. All seeds $10.00 which includes shipping craigsindigo@gmail.com
Biodynamic Gardener/Farmer Wanted - We are a very small farm located in Benicia, California. We need help managing the property and would like to hire a gardener that has some biodynamic/organic farming experience and knowledge. We are new to the organic/biodynamic world, but we are excited to learn about it to make our small farm as productive and sustainable as possible. If interested, please contact Kelsey at (510) 926-0688 or kelsey.bye@gmail.com
The Buttercup CSA: Willits - Buttercup CSA located in Willits is accepting CSA members all year round. We grow biodynamic vegetables, herbs, and flowers! Now seeking an apprentice for the 2022 growing season. We are very interested and motivated in training and educating someone who wants to start their own biodynamic farm. We have endured the hardships and celebrations of starting a farm from scratch over the past 5 years and feel it is our duty to pass along the knowledge and lessons learned in this process while it is still fresh. Contact Keith at keithmichalak@gmail.com
Chantalique: Nurturing Nature through Wholistic Education, Rigorous Science, Creative Arts, & Cultural Depth . I’d be happy to provide art services, as well as promoting BD in whatever way possible. I'm also on the BDA scholarship committee and can help in similar type infrastructure functions. Would love to see BD products become more mainstream and available... if one searches for biodynamic food on Amazon there are only 188 products with many being books. Search amazon fresh there are only four products, search Whole Foods only 22 results. Considering in Europe there are devoted Demeter stores, what can be done here to get the visibility needed to help financially support BD farmers...? Let’s form a subcommittee or something to spearhead this. www.Chantalique.com or chantalique@mac.com
Delphi Agrarian Arts Foundation: Los Gatos is a horticultural learning center located on a private estate nestled within a forest of giant redwoods. Roughly half of the property is devoted to food production including mixed vegetables, cut flowers, legumes and grains, an extensive fruit orchard with numerous varieties, nut trees and a small vineyard. Only biodynamic growing methods are used with composted animal manures supplied by the estate’s horses and chickens. Delphi is an active example of the ferme ornee concept, combining productivity with intentional design, aesthetics and beauty. Visit our website: delphiagrarianarts.org Experienced FT Head Biodynamic Gardner/Farmer wanted: responsible for the production and maintenance of all the food growing areas on the estate and maintenance of the borders surrounding. Contact: Susan Wilson Landi, Program Director: susan@delphiagrarianarts.org
Eco Terreno is looking for a Wine Farm Intern for the Summer/Fall of 2021. Companies, like great wines, are not just produced; rather they are carefully cultivated. We are seeking passionate individuals to join our team at Eco Terreno where we employ our experience in winemaking with time honored traditions in a healthy respect for the land. With 140-acres of Biodynamically and organically certified land, planted primarily to vineyards in Alexander Valley near Cloverdale, we are one of the leading wine farms in Northern California. Eco Terreno is a certified biodynamic and organic Wine Farm that is nestled in the famous Alexander Valley, in Cloverdale CA. Under the direction of the Vineyard Manager, and the Eco Terreno Farm team, this position will complete daily duties required for the garden, farm, and animal husbandry programs. The intern will be an integral part of the team in understanding what is occurring in the vineyard and on the farm in order to make decisions in real time. An ideal candidate will be immersed in all facets of working on a farm and be able to complete assigned farm projects. We are looking for a versatile intern to help connect all aspects of our diverse Wine Farm. Email Nicole@ecoterreno.com with any questions. No phone calls please.
Eurthymy Online: Join Cynthia Hoven’s live eurythmy webinars - exercises to ground yourself, improve your immunity, overcome stress and strengthen your spiritual practise. Cynthia Hoven, creator of eurythmyonline, will once again offer a series of classes in eurythmy and anthroposophical studies this fall. Eurythmy classes are held on Tuesday mornings from 8:15-9:15 AM (Pacific), and continue with an advanced session until 9:45. The first series will be hold Sept 21-Oct. focus on strengthening overcoming stress and supporting your resilience.
Lectures are held on Thursday evenings from 6-7:15PM. The first series (Sept. 30-Oct 14) called Understanding the Meaning of Michal-mas, will present a deep study of the Archangel Micha-el, the guiding spirit of our age. Eurythmy and Lecture classes will continue through the year.Further lecture courses this fall will focus on The Sacred Journey after Death, and The Sacred Journey into Birth. All classes are funded by donations only, and are accessible both to beginners and those who have already begun their eurythmy practice. To register, go to https://eurythmyonline.com
Experienced FT Head Biodynamic Gardner/Farmer wanted: responsible for the production and maintenance of all the food growing areas on the estate and maintenance of the borders surrounding. Contact: Susan Wilson Landi, Program Director: susan@delphiagrarianarts.org
Farming Family: My family and I are currently looking for a new place to homestead where we can live in a sustainable way, garden, farm and steward land in an eco-conscious way. We have many years experience as organic farmers and gardeners including family ancestry connected to agriculture. I grew up in a multi-generational ranching family. Agriculture has always been a part of my life. It is the roots of living in harmony with nature. We have photographs of previous gardens available, resumes and references. We are ready to continue farming growing healthful food for both our family and community. Our skill set includes: Planting, harvesting orchard care, farmers market experience, farm to table cuisine, small scale farming and backyard kitchen gardening, animal husbandry, bees wax candles, making, ceramics, fiber, land crafts and more. Labeba and John at farmingroots1@gmail.com
FolkSoul Farm, Ashland, OR is looking to fill the position of a full time Biodynamic Farmer for the 2021/2022 year. Folk Soul Farm is guided by principles of permaculture and biodynamics, integrating pasture-rotated livestock, with annual and perennial crops. We aim to build a sustainable and secure food system that promotes the health of humans and both the local and global environment. We engage the community to develop and share oldworld farming practices that promote regenerative agriculture, good health, and a resource-rich environment. All community members at FolkSoul Farm enjoy a hot morning snack and lunch as well as an afternoon nibble, much of which comes from our farm and gardens. We strive to source the food that we nourish our bodies with as locally as possible. This means that we source our meat from local farmers, raise and care for a flock of laying hens and work with the children throughout the year to participate in the life cycles of the food we eat. In spring this means caring for the young animals and planting seeds. In summer it means tending to the plants and herbs in the gardens and making sure everyone has enough water. In autumn the children participate in the grateful harvest and are warmed and nourished by the gifts of the earth, and the work of their own strong hands through the cold winter months. If anyone is curious and would like more info, please call Emma at +1 (541) 868-7965 or check out our website FolkSoulFarm.com.
Foundation Studies: The program is open to anyone interested in learning more about the works of Rudolf Steiner and the many facets of Anthroposophy. Two BDANC members who teach workshops and lectures on biodynamics in our program, Ronni Sands and Willow Summer, suggested we reach out to you and thought we’d be a good fit for the newsletter. During our Foundation Studies 13-week program, we will engage in a process of reimagining and redefining who we are and how we can be agents for positive change in the world. The program focuses simultaneously on two paths of transformative self-development. Inner work: Meditative practice, biographical reflection, and artistic expression. Outer work: Waldorf education, biodynamic farming, 3-fold social renewal, and Anthroposophic healing. The Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training strives to provide well prepared teachers in Waldorf schools and, additionally, to be a center for Anthroposophical adult education that will support the strength and wellbeing of Waldorf school communities. Program details and registration can be found on the BACWTT website.
Fulcrum Farm, Grass Valley We can provide mentoring about animal husbandry, classes in biodynamic agriculture, and help with business and economic consultations. Marney is also a writer or storyteller. She is happy to help with biodynamic farming questions: Contact: marneyjblair@icloud.com
Inner Fire: nr Brattleboro, VT, a proactive healing community helping people to withdraw from psychotropic medications and reclaim their lives, seeks an experienced Biodynamic Gardener. Qualifications: A team player * Pioneer *Compassionate * Courageous * Mature * Full time position of 40 hoursa week, weekends off. See interview on home page: www.innerfire.us Please respond to: Beatrice:innerfire@gmail.com Questions are welcomed!
Live Power Community Farm: Covelo "Sign up for Live Power Community Farm CSA! Our Community Sustained Agriculture program members receive a weekly box of fresh organic/biodynamic produce from May-Nov! Pickup available in Covelo, Willits, & Ukiah. EBT/SNAP available for payment Our CSA is a great value at ~$30/week for 29 weeks! Please sign up now! Sign up and learn more at https://linktr.ee/LPCF_Farm"
Live Power Community Farm is offering a work/learning opportunity for one person, or couple, on our unique, diversified, draft horse powered organic/biodynamic farm, in the beautiful Round Valley of Mendocino County, CA for the 2021 season starting now! This is an opportunity to learn French intensive/biodynamic vegetable growing techniques for our 100 member CSA from an experienced farmer. In addition to vegetable growing, the work includes caring for livestock, overall farm care maintenance and operation, and making all of our own compost and soil mixes on the farm. For the last 36 years, LPCF has been hosting school classes and families for hands on experience of farm life. This has brought so much life, joy, and enthusiasm to the education/community aspect of the farm. Room/board provided plus stipend. Please contact Gloria at livepower@livepower.org or 707-983-8196. Also check out our website, www.livepower.org for more details.
Living with Fire Learning Journey - from Thea Maria Carlson Wildfire affects all of us, whether it is a direct threat to our homes, the air we breathe, the farms that feed us, or the wild lands we love. Extreme wildfire is a tangible expression of the climate crisis that is affecting every corner of the planet. And fire can also teach us how to bring greater balance to our lives and to this beloved earth that is our home. Following the burning of the land and community where she lives in 2020, Thea Maria Carlson left her role as Executive Director of the Biodynamic Association and embarked on a learning journey on living with fire. She has been learning directly from walking and working on the burned land, from scientists, Indigenous leaders, farmers and land stewards, community activists, and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, through which she is now a certified wildland firefighter and firelighter. BDANC members are invited to join this learning journey through Patreon, an online platform that works like community supported agriculture for creators. Learn more and see videos about living with fire at patreon.com/livingwithfire.
Mendocino Meats at Heart Arrow Ranch: Redwood Valley We offer grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork, chicken, and eggs. We deliver to Ukiah, Redwood Valley, Willits, Fort Bragg, and Boonville every other Saturday. Order online. We partner with Magruder Ranch, who have been running cattle at Heart Arrow since after the 2017 Redwood Complex Fire burned through. Humanely-raised, sustainable proteins. https://www.mendocinoorganics.com Contact: info@mendocinoorganics.com
Need a coach or mentor for your production oriented biodynamic, organic farm? With eight years experience managing a Demeter/NOP certified vineyard, fifteen plus years additional work in conservation/sustainability, and completion of an organic inspection training program, I’ve gained some useful insights into the practices and implementation of farm plans, and how to set and achieve your goals. If you need a practical coach- an organizer- not so much a spiritual guide or intuit- please contact me for further discussion. Rick Kaye- abettergarden@gmail.com
Ronni Sands: Sebastapol I have co-authored the book: Growing Sustainable Children - a Garden Teacherís Guide. Willow and I offer trainings for garden teachers and parents who wish to learn hands-on gardening skills and BD practices. I am a Waldorf teacher, also available to mentor new garden teachers and consult with schools starting gardening programs. We offer herbs or herbal products, catering, educational classes in farming, basket weaving and herbal studies for children and adults. Contact: figworts@gmail.com
Stardust Farmacy: Grass Valley is a seed to seed apothecary nestled among the Sierra Nevada foothills in unceded Nisenan territory, Our farm strives to be self-belonging and we meet these needs by working with dairy bovine, honeybees and open-pollinated seeds. We craft seasonal and small batch botanicals for animals (and sometimes their people) from the plants of our very own hand-sown and homegrown seeds. For more information about our 2021 seed availability, animal botanicals or custom sun hives, please connect via stardustfarmacy@gmail.com
Three Springs Community Farm Apprenticeships: We are now accepting applications to the Three Springs Community Farm 2022 Apprenticeship Program. If you are interested in more information, please send an email to willowvioletsummer@gmail.com to receive an application. Willow Summer Farmer / Director, Three Springs Community Farm Foundation Three Springs Apprenticeship Program 2022.pdf
Traditional & Biodynamic Vineyard Consulting is a team of two experienced vinegrowers that specialize in the establishment, transition and management of vineyards to organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming. We have experience with the certification process of both organic (CCOF) and biodynamic (Demeter). www.biodynamicvineyardconsulting.com IG: bdvinegrowers Linked In: BD Vinegrowers Facebook: bdvinegrowers (Traditional & Biodynamic Vineyard Consulting)We serve vineyards throughout the state of California (and France) - including Napa, Sonoma, and the Central Coast. Looking for funding opportunities to finance an in-depth soil study that researches how microbial populations/communities shift in response to the biodynamic preparations. I am in contact with a researcher at UC Davis, Dr. Cristina Lazcano, who is interested in collaborating on this project. We are looking for grants that could possibly help us execute this study. Do you have any information that might help us? Natalie Winkler Traditional & Biodynamic Vineyard Consulting 707.230.1924 www.biodynamicvineyardconsulting.com