Star & Furrow is the journal of the Biodynamic Association (UK). For their Autumn 2024 issue, Neil Ravenscroft read our new Biodynamic Farming Handbook by John Bradshaw.
In his review, Neil Ravenscroft highlights the urgent need for sustainable and regenerative farming methods. One such method is biodynamic farming. Over the past century it has shown that it is possible to grow healthy food in a way that enhances – rather than degrades – the soil and natural environment. But the adoption of biodynamic principles has been slow, partly because of a relative lack of readily available information and education. The Biodynamic Farming Handbook, Neil Ravenscroft says, will go a long way towards rectifying this situation.
John Bradshaw has been at the heart of biodynamic farming and gardening in Australia for the last 50 years. Inspired by the work of Alex Podolinsky, his approach is rooted in Australian innovations within biodynamics, but is globally applicable. The book details Steiner’s Preparations, core practices in biodynamic farming, and includes global case studies that highlight the multiple benefits of the method.
Neil Ravenscroft, himself a researcher, former director of a biodynamic farm and long-time biodynamic gardener, commends the handbook for its potential to inspire a shift towards biodynamic farming, helping readers to see it as a natural, regenerative approach to food production.
He writes, “what appeals so much to me about this handbook is that its starting point is that everyone can become a biodynamic farmer or grower – and that they will want to once they have the opportunity. There is no mystic in this book; it offers practical insights and guidance that remind us of just how natural it is to farm biodynamically – and what most of us have lost over the last 100 years by not so doing…
“… it will be such a gift to be able to recommend this handbook to anyone who asks about biodynamic practices – the enthusiasm with which it is written will surely capture them just as much as the text will inform them. And this is where I am sure that this handbook will prove invaluable, in inspiring those with an interest in biodynamics to take their first steps towards the practice. And this applies whether they are hobby gardeners or conventional/organic farmers looking for new ways in which to enhance soil activity as a means of improving the quality of the food that they grow. In this respect the chapter on transitioning to biodynamics really resonates with me. While it is surely important to encourage new entrants to farming and growing to choose biodynamics from the start, it is vital that conventional farmers and growers feel that they have the opportunity and support to transition towards biodynamics – for it is here that we can make major strides towards achieving the full regenerative benefits of biodynamic agriculture. Encouraging transition has become an increasingly important theme within the ‘alternative’ farming movement in the UK; this handbook will surely speed this process.”
December 4 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm FREE
Biodynamic Farming Handbook will be among the groundbreaking books featured at this Biodynamic Association event, where you can learn about the most recent insights, guidance and wisdom from leading figures in the field. Read more about the event here ↗ .
Biodynamic Farming Handbook: Activating soil fertility for growing healthy food
John Bradshaw
A must-read for farmers transitioning to organic, regenerative agriculture.
