How animals enhance health and resilience of the land?
We will explore the world of animals in their variety, diversity and context. What understanding is needed from human beings so that we can support animals in their natural contribution to the health and diversity of the land? With biodynamic agriculture as a basis we will spend four weeks in the wonder-filled world of animals, both wild and domesticated, appreciating and recognising the movement and life that they bring to us and the earth.
Beyond their ecological functions animals – domesticated or wild – contribute most importantly to the “ensoulment” of farm and landscape, a property not easily to be quantified and a challenge for the farmers. What Rudolf Steiner has said in relation to the honeybee, may be true for all animals: They deserve to be observed "emotionally". How can we do this and how can we get to know these soul beings better?
Cow, Bee and Earthworm
After an introduction we will focus on three selected animal groups related to the vegetative and generative life of plants and the soil. The relation and harmony of these three “farm organs” are pivotal for the vitality and resilience of the farm organism and other ecosystems as a whole. Where lies our responsibility as farmers and caring humans and what can we do to create suitable spaces and conditions?
We will look at the diverse role of animals and both ecological and spiritual aspects will be touched in keynotes, observations and exercises and deepened in conversations. All people working in any aspect of biodynamic, organic or environmental organizations are highly welcome. A basic interest in the anthroposophical background, as well as the will to explore the subject further, should be present.
Unfortunately this course is already over
You are welcome to indicate your interest here without any commitment, and we will be happy to inform you in case the course will be repeated
Alysoun Bolger
I am a biodynamic teacher, certifier and farmer’s wife. Having been involved in the training of biodynamic farmers, inspectors and consumers for the last 20 years, I now work for the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International on the Executive Board. I very much enjoy bringing a Goethean approach to applied practical work in agriculture.
Jean-Michel Florin
Studied agriculture and nature conservation, coordinator of the biodynamic association in France (MABD) and trainer for bd farming, author and editor of books and journals, expert and speaker on the subjects: Goethean approach of nature, medicinal plants, landscape, viticulture, etc. Since 2010 Head of the Section for Agriculture.
Johannes Wirz
Studied molecular biology (Bio II) at the University of Basel. Scientific collaborator at the Research Institute at the Goetheanum. Developmental biology work on amphibians (R. temporaria, T. alpestris, T. helveticus). Various work on insects, including single-animal observations of butterflies (in particular M. galathea) in different biotopes, as well as projects on bee health and beekeeping. Another focus of the work is genetics; in particular the relationship between genotype and phenotype.
Learning objectives
The world and wonder of the animals
About the relation of animals with plants, soil and human being
The diverse tasks of the animals
Animal husbandry with respect and dignity
How do we design biodiversity
The course lasts four weeks, 7 live sessions à 2h with a maximum weekly workload of 6h.
It is structured using various components and designed in such a way that it can easily be attended on a part-time basis. Practical exercises as well as self-study and peer group learning accompany and connect the regular live sessions during the four weeks of the course.
Participation fee: CHF 240
Participation for middle income countries + students: CHF 95
Participation fee for low income countries and students from middle income countries: CHF 50
https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups
Special rates can be arranged for groups. If you would like to participate but you cannot afford the price, please contact us, so we can find a solution together.
English
We are happy to arrange a remote interpretation for groups. Please contact us.
The Agriculture Course, GA 327, Rudolf Steiner, Lectures 7 (online version, english)
Desktop, Laptop or Tablet Computer with up-to-date browser and, microphone & video camera
Zoom Application (Zoom Client for Meetings, free download: https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting)
All people working in any aspect of biodynamic, organic or environmental organizations are highly welcome. A basic interest in the anthroposophical background, as well as the will to explore the subject further, should be present.
