BDANC Norcal Community Network:
from the Biodynamic Association of Northern California
www.bdanc.org
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 February 1st.
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
NEW: BDA : Apply by January 23 (deadline extended) to join the 5th Biodynamic Farmer Foundation Year cohort! Not only is this a fantastic opportunity to experience a hands-on, holistic approach to farmer education, the cohort-based model allows you to share and explore challenges and joys with individuals across North America who are deeply engaged in learning about biodynamics and striving to find their purpose in the world. https://www.biodynamics.com/farmer-training
The BDANC Steering Committee needs help with social media, website management, newsletter editing and coordinating events. If you are interested in helping a bit or in joining the steering committee, contact Carolyn at pacificblueoak@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 Preparations: Made by local biodynamic practitioners in Northern California - Order your preps online from Harald Hoven: Horn Manure (500), Horn Silica (501), Compost Prep Set (502-507) Barrel Compost (BC) - see www.bdanc.org/preparations or contact Harald Hoven : Phone: (916) 837-8776 Email: hhoven@att.net
NEW: Biodynamics Study through Soil, Soul and Spirit with Dennis Klocek - Online at dennisklocek.com. Gain a deeper understanding of Biodynamics through the lens of alchemical science, a rational system based on the complex rhythms of natural phenomena. *Free and for-purchase articles, lectures, and videos* teach systems of plant and animal husbandry based on the alchemical four elements to bring tempering between seasonal tasks and natural fluctuations minimizing labor and maximizing health.
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
Doctor of Anthroposophical, Internal and Integrative Medicine Practice Sonoma County, CA AnthroSonoma.com Daciana Iancu, MD is an experienced physician who uses a comprehensive natural approach. She is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine, and certified in Anthroposophic Medicine. Dr. Iancu integrates her vast experience in multiple modalities to determine the underlying cause of your illness and come up with an individualized treatment plan that can help restore your body's innate ability to heal. Dr. Iancu has been practicing medicine for 20 years and has worked in hospitals, ICUs, hospice, nursing homes and primary care. In 2004 she was one of the first doctors to become certified in Holistic Medicine. She has also studied acupuncture, Functional Medicine, Chi Nei Tsang, Reiki, and Energy and Intuitive Healing modalities. In 2014 Dr. Iancu discovered Anthroposophic Medicine, a comprehensive medicine model that, in addition to the physical body, considers the energetic, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the human being. In 2018 Dr. Daciana left her primary care practice working for a large HMO and started her own private practice where she can integrate all these modalities and practice in a slow, intimate setting to provide personalized care. For a complimentary 10-minute discovery call, or to book an appointment, please visit our website at AnthroSonoma.com
Eurythmy 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). Eurythmy and Lecture classes will continue through the year. Further lecture courses this spring 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
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. 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
NEW: Harald Hoven is offering consulting services for farm conversions to Biodynamics as well as developing homesteads or properties. He also offers mentoring farmers in their development to successful farming. He can teach any subject related to Biodynamics to your community. A good introduction would be on composting. For details, please write him at hhoven@att.net or call him at 916 837-8776.
NEW: Live Power Community Farm: Covelo
We are looking for a teamster to work the horses doing field work and someone(s) to work in the garden. Please contact us! www.livepower.org
Long-time biodynamic farmer, Stephen Decater, crossed the threshold on November 4th, at his home at Live Power Community Farm, in Covelo with Gloria and son Nicholas by his side. Gloria and family are putting together a booklet of messages and photos about Stephen and what he has meant in people's lives. If you have something to share and have not yet done so, please do. And if you have photos of Stephen, Stephen and Gloria, or the farm in general, please share. We are including everything! Gloria and their sons would love to hear from you through cards (25451 East Lane, Covelo, CA 95428) or emails (livepower@livepower.org)
The family will be having a Celebration of Stephen's Life at the farm March 19th and 20th, 2022 in the new Community Building. Everyone is invited to come celebrate with them. Please save the dates and share them with others you know who might want to come!
They are still looking for donations to finish the Community Building in time for Stephen's Life Celebration. The link below provides a tax deductible option if anyone is interested. Please share the link https://gofund.me/6ad5b6d9 to the Go Fund Me page for the Community Building and come celebrate with them in March! To learn more about Live Power Community Farm www.livepower.org
Living and Farming with Fire: Thea Maria Carlson is an earth steward who integrates holistic, ecological, biodynamic, regenerative, scientific and intuitive practices. Thea weaves together farming, gardening, forestry, and good fire to nurture ecosystem resilience and health and vitality for earth, climate, and all living beings. Thea offers consulting, advising, workshops, and hands-on support in developing vibrant and abundant gardens and farms and adapting to and embracing the fire-prone landscapes that we all find ourselves in. https://theamariacarlson.earth/ or farmerthea@gmail.com
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 free 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: figwortrs@gmail.com
NEW: Stardust Farmacy: A seed to seed apothecary for land and beast. Crafting seasonal and small batch remedies for animals (and sometimes their people) from the plants of our very own hand-sown and homegrown seeds. For more 2022 seed availability, animal botanicals or custom sun hives, send message to stardustfarmacy@gmail.com
Texas BD Farm~Ranch Sale
56.764 Demeter Certified acres, located one hour East of Austin, Texas. Sandy loam soil, barbed wire fencing, two (2) ponds with room for more, barn and out buildings. Currently operated as Chickamaw Farm~Ranch & Wildlife selling Irish Dexter beef at two prime Austin farmers’ markets. Land has huge agricultural potential. Photos and additional information available: Bill McCranie, tel. 512.567.3456, chickamaw@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