Posted by Nir Halfon on Fri, Feb 26, 2010 @ 03:45 AM
Last time I wrote about the news of Emerson College winding down. Since then We have been working hard to secure the continuation of the training. We are now in a waiting game- waiting for the different supporters to act on their promises and the wheels of organisations and decision making protocols to turn. I think from the students point of view it is not easy. On one hand all is going as usual, this week BD2 benefited from lectures by Steve Hook who is a dairy farmer from Hailsham. On the other hand, we have daily meetings to discuss the situation of the college. We are waiting to hear from Pricewaterhousecoopers about the next steps Emerson needs to do. until then as I said, we are 'business as usual'
Steve Hook has been been very active in marketing organic milk and promoting it. This is a problem many dairy farmers face. Whole prices of milk are very low, for some it becomes unviable to produce milk and many dairies close down. For organic milk one can get a slightly better price, however, still it is not enough. Steve has been looking at alternative ways to market his organic milk. Recently he began sell Raw organic milk nationally through currier service. The milk is packed in special packaging and sent on a 24hours delivery all over the country. He says there is high demand for Raw milk but no supply. I am not going to get into th raw milk debate. I am all for it! It tastes better and generally better!
Next week Timothy Brink is coming to teach on the course. Timothy is the director of Demeter UK. He is coming to talk about Dairy production- breeding, record keeping and other legal requirements from a dairy enterprise.
Keep an eye on the new website: www.rachelcarson.org.uk for more news and updates. Soon to come! the Graduation of BD2 and BD1 going on placement!
Best
Nir
Posted by Nir Halfon on Thu, Feb 18, 2010 @ 03:37 PM
Dear Friends,
This week we were welcomed on Monday morning with the news that the college will soon wind down and close. This is a terrible blow for the students and staff. Long emails have been sent to the whole network of Emerson graduates, Forest Row residents and other many people who are connected with the college. The responses were very encouraging. Obviously a place like Emerson which has changed so many lives, doesn't disappear without a tear. It is not easy...
At the BD department we had a short moment of doubt. But seeing the amount of interest in the course, we knew the course has to continue. We have been working very hard. Arjen is almost constantly on the phone, talking to different people and trying to organise new partners for the training and secure the Rachel Carson Centre and the land around it for the course. I have been teaching and dealing with the day to day matters of the course (tutorials, outings, assessments, lesson plans etc...).so far we have had very positive responses and we hope that these promises soon will be fulfilled. It is our full intention to continue the training.
I hope that soon I can give you the good news that the training is continuing and that on March BD2 will graduate, BD1 will go on placement knowing they are coming back in September to be joined by the 2 new first year classes: Biodynamic Agriculture and Biodynamic Horticulture.
Keep an eye out for updates. You can also check our new website www.rachelcarson.org.uk. Soon the blog will be there and the rest of our cyber belongings.
It is difficult to live with uncertainties but we see hope and change and I cannot deny that there is some adrenaline going in my blood...
Posted by Nir Halfon on Thu, Feb 11, 2010 @ 06:48 AM
I am a bit slow this term only 2 posts since the beginning of the term. Well I have an excuse, I have been away...
Last week we went to the biodynamic conference in Dornach.Dornach is the center of the Anthroposophical movement. It is the place where Rodulf Steiner settled and built the Geotheanum. To some extent it is a bit like Jerusalem is for the Jews or Mecca for the Muslims.
The Goetheanum building is quite a striking building. Its architecture is very unique. I don't think it has a single right angle in it. Also it is made out of soild concrete. This is very strange and curious. Why would Steiner chose such a material? Perhaps it is because the first building was made of wood and got burnt down, and he wanted something that will last longer. Or perhaps he had other reasons. Any way it is the second time I am there and this question occupies me everytime I see it.
The theme of the conference was "Christian Impulses in Agriculture". This theme presented quite a challenge to the organisers and the lectures were on looking at historical and philosophical connections between christianity and agriculture. For me more important was another aspect of the conference. It looked more at the interfaith and connections between other religions and Biodynamic agriculture. The speakers on this issue were very inspiring. They presented their work in non-christian cultures, talking about the difficulties and their successes. I was very moved by meeting Ibrahim Abouleish, the founder of Sekem. He showed how he bridges the gap between Islam and Anthroposophy.
There were a lot of very inspiring moments during the conference and a lot of fun with the second year BD. I participated in a workshop on Bees and on social farming both subjects close to my heart. I ran a disscussion group on Judaism and biodynamics or as I called it "How kosher is Biodynamics?" that went very well and people found it interesting as they didn't know a lot about Judaism. The research for the group on the task of the jewish people and reading what Steiner write about the Hebrew people was fascinating. But that is for another time...
One thing that I am taking with me from the conference is a deeper understanding about what happens in the realm of life. When we look at the world through a linear, mathematical, materialistic perspective then 1+1=2. Applying this to soil science, conventional agriculture adds the amount of nutrients that has been taken out of the soil. Soil science and nutrient budgets are part of this way of thinking. Also we experience it in nutrition. When one is applying 1+1 in the realm of life the answer is 3 (2 parents will make and offspring) and even when we look at cell level 1-1=2 (when a cell divides). This realization is very powerful when we deal with Biodynamic because in Biodynamic we work on enliving the earth and bringing the composting and soil into a higher vitality and life forces. It brings closer the work of the preperations as a way to enliven the compost and their ability to sensitize the plants to the forces and nutrients around. the farm as an organism becomes much more alive in this realm. it is not just a colloection of eneterprises. The ineterconnections between them makes the whole larger than the sum of the parts.
I look forward for next year's conference. The theme will be "Burning issues in Agriculture" there is a lot to look at.
Posted by Nir Halfon on Sun, Jan 24, 2010 @ 05:39 PM
It's been 2 weeks since the term begun.The students have all returned and slowly life getting back to routine. Even the large piles of snow around the drive and by the sides of the roads have now disappeared.
I have been teaching a subject close to my heart which is "Energy on Farms" more likely looking at sustainability on farms with an emphasis on energy and renewable energy. We often deal with Sustainability on farms with regards to farm practices such as: No or Low till, crop rotation, green manure, Organic and Biodynamic methods and localization of food. This time we looked at the energy actually used on the farm. How is that energy supplied and how can it be supplied?The aim was to see if we could begin to think of standards for sustainable farming.
It was interesting to see the patterns of different farms and how they are presented in their energy data. For example Plawhatch farm processes it own milk to cheese and yoghurt has got high heating bills from heating large quantities of milk and water. In addition there is a few farm houses on site which are high energy consumers (more on these in a minute). Bore place , where the students go to milk cows, on the other hand, has a relatively low energy consumption. However they contract out some of the farm work and they do not house people on site. By the way, Bore place has engaged with ZED factory in a plan of Zero fossil Energy Farm. They have already taken a big step towards setting some standards.
On the supply side, Farms have an amazing potential in being energy producers. They usually have the space for storage of wood, hot water or for erecting a wind turbine for example.They also have the resources: manure and crops to make bio-gas (anaerobic digestion), oil and sugar crops for Bio-fuel or wood for biomass. Biodynamic farms can look at the options of not only being self sufficient in nutrients and animal feed but also on energy. Taking it further they can be actually producers of community energy. If a Commuity Supposrted Agriculture farm (CSA) can provide a local area with food through shares that individuals buy, why can't the farm put up a medium wind trubine and supply the area with electricity? Models already exists (the first one in Dulas Valley).
Other aspects of Farm energy savings which I would have like to get more into but unfortunately the time was too short, were energy in housing and passive design. Most farm houses are old and enegy inefficient. During the lessons we discussed renewable energy but as a first step always passive solutions need to be looked at. Housing accounts for 27% of UK emissions with 85% of it is heating and hotwater. Passive solutions such as insulation and design for passive solar gain, can save up to 30% of these emissions.Other issues were water, waste, materials all of these we only had time to touch on.
Like I said we could have done more on the whole issue and perhaps we will in the future. Hopefully someday we will be able to come up with a set of standards. It is the first time we are doing such a block. It is an essentail part of the question of sustainable farming.
Posted by Nir Halfon on Fri, Jan 15, 2010 @ 04:38 AM
Happy New Year to all, I wish for us all a Fruitful, Abundant and Prosperous 2010. The new year is like the new snow which blessed us this season, fresh and untouched, white and pure.
It is easier to tread a familiar path in the snow than forging your own. The same goes for our thoughs. One can see an analogy of snow to thinking- the clear crystals of thought. In the opening of term this was introduced that at time we easily tread familiar paths of thought, sometimes going with the flow with a larger group of people. At times we identify ourselves with these thougths and make them our own. This is not always true, at times this proved to be dangerous and misleading- our thoughts are not always ours. It is when one forges a new path and really penetrates a certain question and subject to find something new, a quality. At that moment it can be called a creation but only for a moment because the new thought is already out in the world moving on.
In the cycle of the year Steiner talks about this time as the time when the crystalizing forces in the soil are the strongest. This year we definately can experience it. Being from the continent Steiner had it as an experience every year, but for us in the UK this year is unique. These crystelizing forces can be seen in the frozen ground covered with delicate snow crystals. Life forces are the strongest underground and above ground all is dead and quiet.
It is the time of the year when our thinking is the clearest. A time to form new ideas and aspirations for the new year.
May this year be blessed with true creations and richness in our life.
Posted by Nir Halfon on Thu, Dec 17, 2009 @ 08:59 AM
First there is someone I would like to welcome to this world! Kaylin Jacob Huese was born last Thursday. He is the much anticipated baby in the college. Actually he is the son of Arjen and Margaretha Huese. They are living on campus and it meant that during the birth their small house was surrounded with an air of mystery and anticipation. All is well and he is born, however, he hasn't yet made a public appearance. Hopefully it will happen before the term ends.
Next week Term ends and last week was the traditional time of the year for turkey plucking. Yes it is that time of the year... (the most wonderful time of the year?). We gather our forces and spend a week plucking the turkeys at Tablehurst Farm.
Tablehurst farm which is situated next to the college is a community owned biodynamic farm. It is part of the Tablehurst-Plawhatch Cooperative. The farm produces meat, eggs and flour. Along side with Plawhatch farm (the other partner in the co-op) they basically can provide Forest Row with a large chunk of its food needs. Food security is one of the main issues of concern these days. In my opinion, creating and developing the local food supply is the most obvious way to deal with this issue. The public seems to agree with allotments being taken up, people interested in growing their own, and more Community Supported Agriculture schemes being launched.
One of the questions for me is how can we provide our food needs in a sustainable way. This is a massive question. One can look at it from a farmer's point of view and ask how can I grow food more sustainably? This looks more at the practices: growing food with more variety, better quality and less fossil fuel dependent. On the other hand the consumer point of view is about buying and supporting local food initiatives and developing or becoming a mamber of a local CSA. The CSA is system in Forest Row is a good example how a village can secure local food supply for itself.
From the farmer's point of view, Peter Brown, the farmer at Tablehurst said that he is pleased, because he has the members of the cooperative as partners and advisors instead of farming alone.
In addition, the farm is a big supporter of the training giving us use of their tractors and trailers. Also it is a great resource when we study animal husbandry with farm visits and access to good practice. As a gratitude to the farm it is a tradition that every year the course (first years) helps with plucking the turkeys.
Thank you to the student who persisted all week and helped in plucking turkeys.
And to everyone else Merry Chirstmas and a happy new year!
Blessings,
Nir
Posted by Nir Halfon on Fri, Nov 27, 2009 @ 02:31 PM
Since the last blog there have been several things happening in the training. As November is coming to a close the November slump is moving on. Last night there was a fantastic party organised by the BD students and it felt like it was the pick-me-up we all needed.In addition in the next month Werner Wecker has come to teach Animal phenomenology and some exciting events in the life of Arjen.
In the cycle of the year, I have observed two periods where I am not surprised to find discontent. These are the times when I think of quitting everything and throwing in the towel. These times are the dark grey month of November and 'when-is-the-spring- coming' month of February. It is natural to feel a bit blue. I am generalising here and not necessary everybody feels the same. When one is aware of the cycles of the soul, they recognise that we don't go through the year without our ups and downs. If these periods are acknowledged and accepted we can support each other in these times and avoid making decision we regret. Steiner's 'calender of the soul' reflects on the cycle of the soul through the year: on the times when one looks inside and is more contemplative, and the times when one is out there in the world celebrating. Both are important.
Also the animal soul has been observed in the last week. Werner Wecker is not new to the college. The second year students have been looking forward to spending time with him again. In his lessons the students in both years embark on a journey of discovering the animal soul and beyond. Something that sits between intuitive and scientific. Werner's own personal journey with farming and animals is an inspiration to the people who listen to him. The Students from BD1 reflected on the their mood and feelings before and after a lesson. Periods like these are well timed (November, remember) as they feed the soul and often are the reason why the studies of Biodynamic agriculture are different to any other agriculture.
Arjen has also been inspiring people in Kew gardens in London. Two weeks ago Arjen was invited to give a talk about formative forces to the Mutual improvement society at Royal Kew botanical gardens. 150 people attended his talk. In the lecture he was able to present the differences between the forces which work from within the plant and those working from outside on the plant. Arjen was very pleased that he managed to deliver quite an esoteric subject
and keeping it within the limits of mainstream reason and logic. That is always the challenge when one come to explain biodynamic philosophy.
Best,
Nir
Posted by Nir Halfon on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 @ 02:14 AM
Last week we visited Tom Ventham at Plaw Hatch farm. It was inspiring to see a herdsman who has a very special and simple way of dairy farming. From a personal perspective it was a special visit. Plaw Hatch farm was my first home in the UK.
The second years are now back in the classroom after their excursions in the woods. The module for the next weeks is Dairy production. During the week in class different systems of herd management were presented. Either by students from their placements or from my own experience (I have a dark past in industrial conventional dairy production).On that note why has 'dairy farming' changed into 'dairy production'? The whole emphasis from actually taking care of an animal so it can give something back is shifted to an economical industrial one. I think that is what came strongly from the tour with Tom.
Tom has been taking care of the cows on the farm for almost 9 years. The herd is not very big (from a commercial point of view) only 40 cows, but in his opinion it is big enough. Each cow is known by her name and Tom could tell us about their characters and their history.
From the beginning (the first 6 months) the calves stay with their mothers in the same barn. Some cows are quite attached to their calves and Tom can accommodate to that. Calves and mothers are together in make shift pens and as they grow older the calves are separated from the mothers and grouped together. However they are still in the same barn. They feel safe and secure, the idea is that Less stress= healthy animals! Later on, through the winter the calves are bucket fed milk and plenty of hay.
Cows, Heifers and calves all get hay as winter feed. Hay is more difficult to produce in good quality in the current climate. But, it is seen as the better option for ruminants. Full of fiber and sweet! Concentrates are given in the milking parlor, but in the farm there is a unique method of preparing the ration. The cows get sprouted field beans with rolled oats and shredded roots. Usually, dry beans have to be limited in a ration. On the other hand sprouted beans can be fed more freely and they contain all the goodness one needs. It is known as a healthy option even for us. This method is time consuming and the practicalities of it in larger scale farming is questionable.It was interesting to see the large tubs of beans sprouting in a room next to the parlor. Everyday Tom soaks a tub of beans and after six days they are ready for the cows. I wouldn't be surprised if the milkers help themselves to a bit as well.
All and all the results of the herd management are apparent in the shiny coats of the cows and their healthy and relaxed appearance. Quantity of milk is not the highest priority on the farm, as it is to many other UK dairy farmers. This is thanks to Tom's unique working environment. The farm, as part of the Tablehurst-Plaw Hatch Cooperative has a very supportive community around it. All the milk is processed and sold from the farm shop. He is less under the pressures of milk wholesalers and the larger milk market. In return the benefits are enjoyed by the whole community.
Visiting the Plaw Hatch herd was a good way to demonstrate one way of dairy farming- Simple and natural. No doubt, there is something very special in the relationship Tom has with the cows.
I am trying to think if there is somewhere a BD dairy farm which is run as an industrial commercial enterprise. I think as the cow is so central to the farm any BD dairy farmer will have a close relationship with the cows. Perhaps the two concept contradict each other and there is no such thing. At least I haven't found one.
Posted by Nir Halfon on Sun, Nov 08, 2009 @ 01:21 PM
It's been three weeks or perhaps even more since any of us (ie BD team) have seen the second years. They have gone feral in the woods. One could see them at break time sitting around the college brandishing carving knives and making a spoon or a baby rattle.
This as a result of the green woodwork module. During the last weeks each of the students in the second year have learned skills in coppicing, wood turning and carving and made a few different products from wood. They also explored the subject of Biodynamic sustainable woodland management. Mark Haughton taught green woodwork and Nick Reaside taught woodland management.
Sparkey has (almost) found a new calling and was making spoons, bowls and more things everyday. Others found it a bit more challenging but in the end all had a good experience and felt they have learnt some new skills. The module was very successful.
Woodlands have an important place on the farm in many ways and especially on a Biodynamic farm. They provide raw material for products, a source of energy, recreation, a place of relaxation and contemplation and a wildlife habitat. In the picture of the farm as a whole, woodland is very important, it brings in an element which cannot be found in a field. Steiner talks about the importance of woodland in its relation to the world of insects and birds and as a balancing and complementing force to the one of agriculture.
In addition from a sustainability point of view it is essential. Woodlands are multi-functional as I said before. Farms have got the luxury that they have the land to grow their own energy. I am not talking about biofuels. They are grown in a monoculture system which I don't see as healthy to our planet in the long run (or short term coming to think of it). Wood can provide energy in a much more wholesome and healthy way. Logs, Chips and Pellets are being used as fuels to heat homes. The different systems are suitable to different locations and applications. On a farm, for example, logs or wood chips work very well. In addition, over the weekend I came a cross the Jean Pain method which uses the composting process of wood brush (small clippings) to generate heat and methane.
Also in woodlands, farmers can grow their own building materials and fence posts, create places where people can connect with theselves and their environment and wildlife can live.
It is amazing how useful woodland can be as part of a farm. I was jealous of the students - green woodwork has been a hobby I've wanted to embrace for many years. It was the first time we had such a module in the course. I hope next year I will get a chance to join the students for at least a couple of sessions and make a spoon or a stool.
Posted by Nir Halfon on Fri, Oct 30, 2009 @ 05:11 AM
Once a year the first year BD students put on their backpacks and go traveling the south west on a tour de farm. For some going to visit farms is a relatively new experience and even for the more experienced there is something new to see. Every farm is completely different and every farmer has his or hers own opinions and methods (which are of course the Right way! for their farm, that is...). The idea of the farm as an individual really comes into light on this tour. The tour is also a time when the course students get to learn a bit more about each other and share a special experience.
Last Friday we returned from our farm tour. We spent a week in South Devon exploring a wide range of farms and gardens. The places we visited ranged from smallholdings which provide their local community with fresh vegetables or meat to large farms of thousand acres or more producing meat, vegetables, fruit selling their produce nation wide. The farmers and growers we met expressed a wide range of opinions from traditional practices to revolutionary and controversional.
For myself I can say, it was fascanating to see the different approaches to farming. All the farmers were dedicated to their work and produced wonderful products. It just shows how much of farming is in the attitude and following what one believes is right. Conviction seemed to be a key word amongst the students. One can learn farming from a text book but the farm as an organism doesn't know how to read... Each farm is unique in soil, topography, climate, native plants and animals. This symphony of natural conditions is orchastrated by the farmer who, in turn, interpets it in their own individual way. In that harmony one can find the farm as an individual. It relates to all farming systems whether they are chemical, organic or Biodynamic. However in BD this work becomes concious. This awareness then penetrates all the corners of the farms all the individual notes (yes I am getting carried away with this metaphor) and where it is manifested? In the feast we eat.
I would like to thank all the Farms and Gardens who opened their gates and welcomed us in this trour. It was truly an inspiring experience. Thanks to:
I look forward to the next years tour, there are so many more farms to see and more farmers to meet.