Episodes

  • INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES

    INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES
    Nov 21 2023

    Welcome to this podcast series, Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners in Australia. The series was commissioned by Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. and produced by Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc. (Australia).

    The six episodes of this series contain interviews with a wide range of Australian biodynamic growers working in various forms of agriculture and horticulture and at different scales. From a one acre organic property producing herbs, vegetables, and pasture-raised chicken in New South Wales, to a horticultural operation of over 100 acres suppling botanicals and healing herbs to a natural skin care company with international reach. From biodynamic cherry and fruit tree growing in South Australia to mixed biodynamic farming in Far North Queensland.

    Though the locations and types of growing undertaken by our podcast guests differ it has been fascinating to hear of the similarities of methods and approaches to their growing work which have developed through their adoption of biodynamic practice principles and wider philosophy.

    Each guest story illustrates the environmentally protective abilities of biodynamics to regenerate the biological health of soil, supercharge organic growing, restore biodiversity and work in harmony with mother nature – and all in the process of producing well grown food of delicious taste and high nutritional value - and plant products beneficial to human wellbeing.

    We hope that you enjoy this podcast series, as well as the text based profiles of our interview guests contained in a companion booklet also entitled ‘Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners in Australia.’ Details are available on the website of Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd.

    Andrew Nicholson - Producer of the series

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    2 mins
  • Biodynamic methods in botanical and healing herb horticulture

    Biodynamic methods in botanical and healing herb horticulture
    Nov 21 2023
    GUEST: Cherie Hutchinson, biodynamic farm manager for the Jurlique Natural Skin Care Australia company INTRODUCTION TO THIS EPISODE: My guest on this episode of the series, Cherie Hutchinson, is a farm manager for the Jurlique natural skincare company overseeing the production of over 35 different botanicals and healing herbs on Jurlique’s farm at Biggs Flat in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. Jurlique is a natural skincare company established in 1985 by Jurgen and Ulrike Klein. The owners were passionate about growing biodynamically which led to Jurlique’s farm receiving biodynamic accreditation in the 1990s. Working for the company Cherie fell in love with the ethos of biodynamic farming. She attended regional and statewide workshops on agriculture and horticulture and learnt about biodynamics on the job and through training providers and workshops including those run by the Biodynamic Australia Association. She holds a Diploma in Horticulture. A written account of Cherie's biodynamic growing experiences is contained in a companion text profile booklet of all the guests interviewed for this podcast series. Also entitled ‘Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners in Australia' details of this written publication are available from the Biodynamics Agriculture Australia Ltd. website. INTERVIEW TALKING POINTS - with approximate time elapsed in minutes. Guest foreshadow comment - 0.00Generic introduction of podcast series – 0.30This episode introduction – 2.02Guest self-introduction: description of current work role at Jurlique – and farm profile - 3.16Can you define and describe biodynamics in 2023 ? – 8.35How do biodynamic practices contrast to more conventional growing methods in horticultural management? – 11.52How did you first become involved with biodynamic horticulture in the first place? - 15.00Can you tell us more about the biodynamic techniques you are use on the farm and the beneficial impacts they have ? – 18.47What is your experience of the spiritual/cosmic aspects of biodynamic working philosophy? - 23.00 includes an example of a challenge experienced in Cherie’s past biodynamic work. What does the future hold for your managerial role and the farm you manage ? - 25.22 - includes Cherie’s comments on future human and leaner farming challenges to be overcome. Do you have a short take home message for listeners ? 31.30Do you have any more advice for listeners who might want to find out more about biodynamic methods and practices ? – 34.28Interviewer brief summary of some points covered – 36.33Thanks to guest and acknowledgements - 37.10Episode close – 39.28 GUEST AND CONTACT DETAILS: Guest: Cherie Hutchinson Jurlique Natural Skin Care Australia Podcast production: Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc.(Australia) Tel: 07 4639 2135 Email WEB Facebook Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. 25 Nobles Lane, BELLINGEN, NSW 2454,Australia Tel: 02 6655 0566 Email WEB Facebook Production details: Produced for HOPE by Andrew Nicholson. This episode recorded in Toowoomba, S.E. Queensland, Australia on 2nd October 2023. Interview questions developed by: Anna Kula-Kaczmarski Incidental Music: James Nicholson BFGA podcast series - brief survey (2 – 5 minute) completion The Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners podcast series was produced for Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. Our short listener survey is available now on Survey Monkey. It consists of simple questions which should take less than five minutes to complete. The survey has been created to encourage our audience to give more feedback than is usually generated via podcast app rating scores and comments. We value any ideas, insights or comments listeners might have which could help us develop possible future podcast offerings. All feedback received will be treated as anonymous data and will only be used for the strict purpose of helping us better design possible future podcast media. The survey is available at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HNFFBQ IDEAS MENTIONED AND RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE DISCUSSION PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTING BIODYNAMIC GROWING IN AUSTRALIA Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. is one of the peak bodies supporting biodynamic practice in this country and it financed this podcast series. The organisation website offers a wide range of products for sale to ‘home gardeners and farmers including soil activators, kits for home gardens and compost making, specialised pastes and liquid blends. These products are made in Australia ensuring the highest quality and shipped nationwide wide.’ The website also contains links to information on training workshops, educational text and video resources on biodynamics and a free eNewsletter. Their Biodynamics Handbook comes free with membership of Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. Or can be purchased separately at modest cost. Other ...
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    39 mins
  • Developing biodynamic orchards in South Australia

    Developing biodynamic orchards in South Australia
    Nov 21 2023
    Guest: Kym Green, biodynamic fruit grower at Ellimatta Orchards (South Australia). Introduction to this episode: My guest on this episode of the series, Kym Green, is a sixth generation fruit grower from Lenswood, near Adelaide in South Australia. Kym and his brother Peter run Ellimatta Orchards which are intensively planted with multiple modern varieties of organic and biodynamic apples and cherries. This was not always the case and Ellimatta Orchards were once standard commercial orchards farmed chemically for many decades. The story of the biodynamic transformation the orchards have undergone is told by Kym in this interview. A written account of Kym's biodynamic growing experiences is contained in a companion text profile booklet of all the guests interviewed for this podcast series. Also entitled ‘Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners in Australia' details of this written publication are available from the Biodynamics Agriculture Australia Ltd. website. INTERVIEW TALKING POINTS - with approximate time elapsed in mins. Guest foreshadow comment - 0.00Generic podcast series introduction. – 0.30This episode introduction – 2.02Guest self-introduction – 3.10How would you describe biodynamics in 2023 – 6.27How do biodynamics contrast to more conventional agriculture – 14.46How did you first become involved with biodynamic growing in the first place? – 23.28 Can you tell us more about the biodynamic methods you are use on your farm - and the beneficial effects they have. – 31.02How have you incorporated the spiritual/cosmic aspects of biodynamics into your work? – 45.05What are some of the challenges you have faced in your biodynamic journey? – 58.30 (comments on black spot fungus) What does the future hold for your farm? - 1.07.57 Guest take home message – 1.14.55Guest parting advice to audience on biodynamic adoption – 1.17.00Thanks, acknowledgements and episode close. – 1.20.45End of episode – 1.22.23 GUEST AND CONTACT DETAILS: Guest: Kym Green, Ellimatta Orchards, Lenswood, South Australia Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc.(Australia) Tel: 07 4639 2135 Email WEB Facebook Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. 25 Nobles Lane, BELLINGEN, NSW 2454,Australia Tel: 02 6655 0566 Email WEB Facebook Production: Produced for HOPE by Andrew Nicholson. This episode recorded in Toowoomba, S.E. Queensland, Australia on 11th October 2023 Interview questions developed by: Anna Kula-Kaczmarski Incidental Music: James Nicholson BFGA podcast series - brief survey (2 – 5 minute) completion The Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners podcast series was produced for Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. Our short listener survey is available now on Survey Monkey. It consists of simple questions which should take less than five minutes to complete. The survey has been created to encourage our audience to give more feedback than is usually generated via podcast app rating scores and comments. We value any ideas, insights or comments listeners might have which could help us develop possible future podcast offerings. All feedback received will be treated as anonymous data and will only be used for the strict purpose of helping us better design possible future podcast media. The survey is available at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HNFFBQ RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE DISCUSSION GUEST FARM/property mentioned: Ellimatta Orchards, Lenswood, South Australia. CONCEPTS: Mulders Chart – representation of the interaction between essential plant elements. Brix - measure used for estimating the approximate amount of sugars in fruits, vegetables, juices, wine. Phion MEA water structuring device as described on the Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd website. RESORCES MENTIONED IN INTERVIEW OR RELEVANT TO THE DISCUSSION: Dowsing – for an introduction to concepts and practices see the Dowsing Society of Victoria Inc. and Dowsers Society of New South Wales Inc. Francis Chaboussou: Healthy Crops - A New Agricultural Revolution (2004 edition) Google Books. listing. Charles Massey: Call of the Reed Warbler: A new Agriculture a New Earth (2020 edition) Google Books. listing Pierre Masson: A Biodynamic Manual (2014 edition) Google Books listing. Jay McCaman: When Weeds Talk (2013 edition) Australian book source listing. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer: The Biodynamic Treatment of Fruit Trees, Berries and Shrubs (1992 edition) Google Books listing. Rudolf Steiner: The Agriculture Course Lectures (1924) – originally delivered in June 1924 and available in English translation on the Steiner Archives Website. Recent research paper (J. Paull, University of Tasmania, 2020) offering a brief overview of the historical significance of the Steiner lectures, with a timeline of their various language translation dates. Peter Tompkins, Christopher Bird, William Thomas, : Secrets of the Soil New Solutions...
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Mixed biodynamic farming in far north Queensland.

    Mixed biodynamic farming in far north Queensland.
    Nov 21 2023
    Guest: Adam Collins, Kisima Farm, Evelyn Tablelands (FNQLD) Introduction to this episode: My guest on this episode of the series, Adam Collins, was born and raised in Kenya, and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in the United Kingdom. However he says that after five years of learning how to ‘kill’ everything he felt disillusioned as he believed that farming should be “about growing life, not killing it.” In 1985 Adam’s family moved to Australia and bought a 100-acre block in far North Queensland near Ravenshoe named Kisima Farm - the ‘place of peaceful water.’ After doing some soul-searching and travelling, Adam partnered with his father on the farm in 1999 and began his systematic journey into biodynamic practice from that point on. A written account of Adam's biodynamic growing experiences is contained in a companion text profile booklet of all the guests interviewed for this podcast series. Also entitled ‘Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners in Australia' details of this written publication are available from the Biodynamics Agriculture Australia Ltd. website. INTERVIEW TALKING POINTS - with approximate time elapsed in mins. Guest foreshadow comment - 0.00Generic podcast series introduction. – 0.30This episode introduction - 2.04Guest self-introduction: description of current work and farm profile – 3.07Can you define and describe biodynamics in 2023 – 5.22How do biodynamics contrast to more conventional growing methods? – 8.57(Includes description of biodynamic preparation work – 11.52How did you first become involved with biodynamic growing in the first place? -21.34Tell us more about the biodynamic methods you are use on your farm - and the beneficial effects they have. – 27.22How do you go about teaching and training others in biodynamic methods? - 31.40(Includes description of stirring work involved in biodynamic preparations – 36.26How have you incorporated the spiritual/cosmic aspects of biodynamics into your work? – 40.22(Includes discussion of the benefits of higher food quality and human health and wellbeing- 44.50What are some of the challenges you have faced in your biodynamic journey? - 51.04The key importance of long and thoughtful observation in biodynamics -54.56What does the future hold for your farm and for biodynamic practice more generally? - 58.20Guest take home message – 1.02.36 Guest parting advice to audience on biodynamic adoption – 1.06.06Thanks, acknowledgements and episode close. – 1.08.16End of episode – 1.10.44 GUEST AND CONTACT DETAILS: Guest: Adam Collins, Kisima Farm, Evelyn Tablelands (FNQLD) Email: adamcollins73@hotmail.com WEB: Biodynamics FNQ Tel: 07 4097 8126 Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc.(Australia) Tel: 07 4639 2135 Email WEB Facebook Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. 25 Nobles Lane, BELLINGEN, NSW 2454,Australia Tel: 02 6655 0566 Email WEB Facebook Production: Produced for HOPE by Andrew Nicholson. This episode recorded in Toowoomba, S.E. Queensland, Australia on 9th October 2023 Interview questions developed by: Anna Kula-Kaczmarski Incidental Music: James Nicholson BFGA podcast series - brief survey (2 – 5 minute) completion The Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners podcast series was produced for Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. Our short listener survey is available now on Survey Monkey. It consists of simple questions which should take less than five minutes to complete. The survey has been created to encourage our audience to give more feedback than is usually generated via podcast app rating scores and comments. We value any ideas, insights or comments listeners might have which could help us develop possible future podcast offerings. All feedback received will be treated as anonymous data and will only be used for the strict purpose of helping us better design possible future podcast media. The survey is available at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HNFFBQ IDEAS MENTIONED AND RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE DISCUSSION KISIMA FARM, EVELYN TABLELANDS FAR NORTH, QUEENSLAND – MORE DETAILS See guest entry in the profile booklet companion to this podcast: Stories of our biodynamic farmers and gardeners in Australia, Biodynamics Agriculture Australia Ltd (2023) Newspaper article on Kisima Farm bumper garlic crop harvest (March 2021) GUEST INFLUENCES MENTIONED IN INTERVIEW Peter Procter (died 2018) Book: Grasp the Nettle: Making Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Work (2004 edition). Google Books review Documentary: One Man, One Cow, One Planet (2007) a story of Procter’s teaching and training work in India - and the use of biodynamics by marginal farmers there to regenerate their lands as an alternative to the bio-colonialism of multinational corporations. Hugh Lovel: Book: A Biodynamic Farm, For Growing Wholesome Food (2000 edition) Amazon books review A recent video of Hugh Lovel...
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Wisdom distilled from a quarter century of biodynamic growing

    Wisdom distilled from a quarter century of biodynamic growing
    Nov 21 2023
    GUEST: John Hodgkinson – experienced biodynamic grower and multi-talented volunteer with Biodynamics Agriculture Australia Ltd. Introduction to this episode: ‘My guest on this episode of the series, John Hodgkinson, is a highly experienced and knowledgeable biodynamic grower who first encountered biodynamic methods in the mid-1990s and started using them on an existing 40 hectare farm he then owned and ran. So impressed was he with early results that he launched into full-scale adoption of the biodynamic method on his property. After selling his farm in 2005 John moved to Bellingen NSW and has kept very busy with biodynamics ever since. He maintains his own container garden, has managed numerous rental gardens and he helped develop a veggie garden just outside of the town which supplied bunched salad varieties to a weekly grower’s market stall. John is also member and active volunteer with Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. which is headquartered in Bellingen. His work for the organisation has included making biodynamic preparations as well as editing and contributing to the News Leaf journal and performing an advisory and educational role. A written account of John's biodynamic growing experiences is contained in a companion text profile booklet of all the guests interviewed for this podcast series. Also entitled ‘Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners in Australia' details of this written publication are available from the Biodynamics Agriculture Australia Ltd. website. INTERVIEW TALKING POINTS - with approximate time elapsed in mins. Guest foreshadow comment - 0.00Generic podcast series introduction. – 0.30This episode introduction – 2.03Guest self-introduction – 3.51How would you describe biodynamics in 2023 – 10.54How do biodynamics contrast to more conventional agriculture – 16.42How did you first become involved with biodynamic growing in the first place? – 23.12Can you tell us more about your biodynamic work and its beneficial impacts? – 32.07including on you personally – 40.13 with comments on the spiritual/cosmic aspects of biodynamics? What are some of the challenges you have faced on your biodynamic journey? – 57.57What does the future hold for your work? - 1.02.50 Guest take home message and biodynamic advice to listeners– 1.06.14Thanks, acknowledgements and episode close. – 1.07:56End of episode – 1.09:54 GUEST AND CONTACT DETAILS: Guest: John Hodgkinson, Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd, Bellingen NSW. Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc.(Australia) Tel: 07 4639 2135 Email WEB Facebook Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. 25 Nobles Lane, BELLINGEN, NSW 2454,Australia Tel: 02 6655 0566 Email WEB Facebook Production: Produced for HOPE by Andrew Nicholson. This episode recorded in Toowoomba, S.E. Queensland, Australia on 11th October 2023 Interview questions developed by: Anna Kula-Kaczmarski Incidental Music: James Nicholson BFGA podcast series - brief survey (2 – 5 minute) completion The Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners podcast series was produced for Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. And out short listener survey is available now on Survey Monkey. It consists of simple questions which should take less than five minutes to complete. The survey has been created to encourage our audience to give more feedback than is usually generated via podcast app rating scores and comments. We value any ideas, insights or comments listeners might have which could help us develop possible future podcast offerings. All feedback received will be treated as anonymous data and will only be used for the strict purpose of helping us better design possible future podcast media. The survey is available at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HNFFBQ RESORCES MENTIONED IN INTERVIEW OR RELEVANT TO THE DISCUSSION: Anthroposophy: for an introduction to some key ideas such as spiritual science see the Anthroposophical Society in Australia website (2023) Thomas Berry: The Great Work Our Way Into the Future (2011 edition) Google Books listing and preview GUEST’S SPECIFIC BOOK INFLUENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Rachel Carson: Silent Spring (book published 1962) – extensive background on this and other popular scientific work and scholarship by Carson. The Findhorn Garden Story: (2008 edition) Google Books listing and preview Peter Tompkins, Christopher Bird, William Thomas: Secrets of the Soil New Solutions for Restoring Our Planet (1998 edition) see Google Books listing Also by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird: The Secret Life of Plants: A Fascinating Account of the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Relations Between Plants and Man also by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird (1973) see 2018 edition preview on Google Books listing OTHER INFORMATION AND RESOURCES Dowsing – for an introduction to concepts and ...
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Smaller scale biodynamic and permaculture growing

    Smaller scale biodynamic and permaculture growing
    Nov 21 2023
    Guests: Luigi and Nidya Marasco-Bellido, The Patch Organics (Bellingen, NSW) Introduction to this episode: My guests on this episode of the series, Luigi Marasco and Nidya Marasco-Bellido are share farmers whose Patch Organics business cultivates an acre paddock using biodynamic techniques on what used to be a holding pen for dairy cows. Their Patch Organics cultivation produces herbs, vegetables, and pasture-raised chicken, and takes place within the bigger, certified organic, 500-acre Levenvale Farm situated within beautiful rolling hill country near Bellingen NSW. A written account of Luigi and Nidya's biodynamic growing experiences is contained in a companion text profile booklet of all the guests interviewed for this podcast series. Also entitled ‘Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners in Australia' details of this written publication are available from the Biodynamics Agriculture Australia Ltd. website. INTERVIEW TALKING POINTS - with approximate time elapsed in mins. Guest foreshadow comment - 0.00Generic podcast series introduction. – 0.30This episode introduction – 2.03Guest self-introduction – 3.31How would you describe biodynamics in 2023 – 6.15How do biodynamics contrast to more conventional agriculture – 9.23How did you first become involved with biodynamic growing in the first place? – 21.35 including Luigi’s story of mentorship and early workshop training. The generosity of the BD community linked to history of concern with healing the land – 32.35Can you tell us more about the biodynamic methods you are use on your farm - and the beneficial effects they have. – 36.28How have you incorporated the spiritual/cosmic aspects of biodynamics into your work? – 46.11What are some of the challenges you have faced in your biodynamic journey? – 1.00.42What does the future hold for your property? - 1.05.26 Guest take home messages and parting advice to audience on biodynamic adoption – 1.11.02Thanks to guests and acknowledgements - 1.20.40End of episode – 1.23.37 GUEST AND CONTACT DETAILS: Guests: LUIGI AND NIDYA, THE PATCH ORGANICS (BELLINGEN, NSW) Tel: 0422 872 206 Email: WEB: Facebook Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc.(Australia) Tel: 07 4639 2135 Email: WEB: Facebook Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. 25 Nobles Lane, BELLINGEN, NSW 2454,Australia Tel: 02 6655 0566 Email : WEB: Facebook Production: Produced for HOPE by Andrew Nicholson. This episode recorded in Toowoomba, S.E. Queensland, Australia on 27th October 2023 Interview questions developed by: Anna Kula-Kaczmarski Incidental Music: James Nicholson BFGA podcast series - brief survey (2 – 5 minute) completion The Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners podcast series was produced for Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. Our short listener survey is available now on Survey Monkey. It consists of simple questions which should take less than five minutes to complete. The survey has been created to encourage our audience to give more feedback than is usually generated via podcast app rating scores and comments. We value any ideas, insights or comments listeners might have which could help us develop possible future podcast offerings. All feedback received will be treated as anonymous data and will only be used for the strict purpose of helping us better design possible future podcast media. The survey is available at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HNFFBQ RESOURCES MENTIONED IN INTERVIEW OR RELEVANT TO THE DISCUSSION: THE PATCH ORGANICS FARM Facebook page and Patch Organics on Levenvale Farm’s website with details of produce ordering, events, training and other matters of interest. Anthroposophy: For a short introduction to some key Anthroposophical ideas such as personal growth and development, interdisciplinary collaboration and spiritual science, see: the Anthroposophical Society in Australia website (2023) and Sydney Rudolf Steiner College (teacher training) article What is Anthroposophy? Astral calendar use in biodynamic growing see the short article Working with the Antipodean Astro Calendar on Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd.’s website. Masaru Emoto: researcher on water energies - for example see The Secret Life of Water (2011) Google Books listing and preview Charles Massey: Call of the Reed Warbler: A new Agriculture a New Earth (2020 edition) Google Books review. Peppering for pest control in biodynamic growing – webinar handout (2020 from My Food Garden. Permaculture as a model of ‘organic gardening . . . and. . . a design system for resilient living and land use - based on universal ethics and ecological design principles.’ This wording taken from the Holmgren Design Permaculture Vision and Innovation website of David Holmgren the co-founder of permaculture along with Bill Mollison (now deceased) World Permaculture Association website with definition of ...
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Biodynamic methods for wine grapes, olive and fig growing on Rosnay Farm, New South Wales

    Biodynamic methods for wine grapes, olive and fig growing on Rosnay Farm, New South Wales
    Nov 21 2023
    Guest: Sam Statham from Rosnay Organic farm near Canowindra, NSW Introduction to this episode: My guest on this episode of the series is Sam Statham who grows vines, olive and fig trees on his farm, Rosnay located near to the town of Canowindra in the central west of NSW. This is also the home of Sam’s family his wife Simone and their three children Molly, Georgie and Floyd. Sam himself grew up with his two brothers on a family farm in NSW which he describes as a bush paradise of rough, hilly country, mostly non arable and often drought declared. During a life changing trip around New Zealand in the 1990s, Sam visited biodynamic farms there and took that biodynamic experience back into the family farm. Over the last 20 years Sam and his own family have continued to develop their farm using organic and biodynamic practices as well as turning it into a community title subdivision, with multiple growers working together under an organic covenant. A written account of Sam's biodynamic growing experiences is contained in a companion text profile booklet of all the guests interviewed for this podcast series. Also entitled ‘Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners in Australia' details of this written publication are available from the Biodynamics Agriculture Australia Ltd. website. INTERVIEW TALKING POINTS - with approximate time elapsed in mins. Guest foreshadow comment - 0.00Generic podcast series introduction. – 0.30This episode introduction – 2.03Guest self-introduction – 3.53How would you describe biodynamics in 2023 – 5.58How do biodynamics contrast to more conventional agriculture – 8.17How did you first become involved with biodynamic growing in the first place? – 12.01Can you tell us more about the biodynamic methods you are use on your farm - and the beneficial effects they have there – 15.00 and on you – 20.45How have you incorporated the spiritual/cosmic aspects of biodynamics into your work? – 25.00What are some of the challenges you have faced in your biodynamic journey? – 29.45biodynamic methods to deal with starling, snail and cockatoo impactsWhat does the future hold for your farm? - 43.34The community title benefits of River Roads Organics farms – 45.20 Guest take home message and parting advice on biodynamic adoption – 49.10Thanks to guest, acknowledgements and episode close. – 49.29End of episode – 54.03 GUEST AND OTHER CONTACT DETAILS: Guest: Sam Statham Rosnay Organic and Rivers Roads Organic Farms: Email:info@rosnay.com.au Tel: (02) 63443215 Web: https://rosnay.com.au/ Podcast production: Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc.(Australia) Tel: 07 4639 2135 Email WEB Facebook Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. 25 Nobles Lane, BELLINGEN, NSW 2454,Australia Tel: 02 6655 0566 Email WEB Facebook Production details: Produced for HOPE by Andrew Nicholson. This episode recorded in Toowoomba, S.E. Queensland, Australia on 25th October date 2023. Interview questions developed by: Anna Kula-Kaczmarski (HOPE) Incidental Music: James Nicholson BFGA podcast series - brief listener survey (2 – 5 minute) completion The Stories of our Biodynamic Farmers and Gardeners podcast series was produced for Biodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd. Our short listener survey is available now on Survey Monkey. It consists of simple questions which should take less than five minutes to complete. The survey has been created to encourage our audience to give more feedback than is usually generated via podcast app rating scores and comments. We value any ideas, insights or comments listeners might have which could help us develop possible future podcast offerings. All feedback received will be treated as anonymous data and will only be used for the strict purpose of helping us better design possible future podcast media. The survey is available at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HNFFBQ IDEAS MENTIONED AND RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE DISCUSSION GUEST’S FARM Rosnay Organic – also has details about and link to information on Rivers Roads Organic Farms BOOKS/DOCUMENTS: Robin Wall Kimmerer: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge (2020 edition) Google Books listing and preview Charles Massey: Call of the Reed Warbler: A new Agriculture a New Earth (2020 edition) Google Books review. John Soper: Bio-Dynamic Gardening Paperback (2002 Edition) Google Book listing Rudolf Steiner The Agriculture Course Lectures (1924) – originally delivered in June 1924 and available in English translation on the Steiner Archives Website. Recent research paper (J. Paull, University of Tasmania, 2020) offering a brief overview of the historical significance of the Steiner lectures, with a timeline of their various language translation dates. BIODYNAMIC METHODS: Dowsing – as a means of confirming a connection with another species. For an introduction to concepts and practices see the Dowsing Society of Victoria...
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    54 mins