The current climate chaos, accompanied by various economic and social uncertainties, is making the work of farmers increasingly tricky. It is becoming increasingly difficult to rely on supposedly tried-and-tested recipes. For example, the weather is so changeable that it is difficult to know which crops will thrive. How can farmers train their perception of the condition of the farm, the soil, the plants and the animals so that they can make the right decisions despite the uncertainties?

The current trend is towards "smart agriculture", which works with data monitoring and remote-controlled decisions based on algorithms. Its stated aim is to work more accurately and cleanly. However, this means that machines increasingly control humans. They lose their sovereignty and responsibility for the consequences of their actions. Even though it can utilise data monitoring, biodynamic agriculture aims to create a counterbalance by training people's perceptions and thus enabling them to act responsibly. Added to this is the individualisation of measures. This means that farmers should observe their farms better and better to realise their potential to a greater extent.
In the Agriculture Course (GA 327), R. Steiner gives a tip that many successful biodynamic farmers follow more or less consciously:

"Now let us take a farmer whom the learned man does not consider learned; he goes over his field. Yes, the learned man says the farmer is stupid, but in reality, this is not true, simply because the farmer - ... - is a meditator. What he meditates on in his winter nights is very, very much. And he acquires it, which is a kind of acquisition of spiritual knowledge. He just can't express it. And it's like it's only there. You walk through the fields, and suddenly it's there ... And things like that need to be built on."

This is precisely what we are trying to do in our research project. In a preliminary project on "agricultural individuality", we visited some experienced farmers and conducted in-depth interviews with them using the qualitative social research method. This resulted in some fascinating initial findings. For example, each farmer has their own approach and "door" to the inner perception of the farm, which sometimes leads to "intuitions" or critical decisions. This holistic perception often occurs during a rhythmic activity (such as milking or walking across the fields) and at a particular moment of the day. Two examples can illustrate this: "For example, I have to decide where the goats will graze next. The decision is made while working with the herd. I get a sense of the whole. I get an idea of the future: how the plants will grow in the meadows." (EF)
"Between Christmas and New Year, the connection to the land is particularly intense. Walking across my land, I get the right inspiration for the coming year. The place on earth then tells me what it needs and what needs to be done." (MH)

We want to expand this pilot study to include specific topics (soil, plant and animal perception, etc.) and process the results in such a way that they provide concrete suggestions for farmers, advisors and trainers so that current and future farmers can learn how to gain free and responsible "intuitions" for their important decisions based on concrete perception on the ground.

We would be delighted if you would support this project with a donation.

Effects of biodynamic preparations

The following questions arise: Do compost preparations have a salutogenic and resilience-building effect on the entire farm? How does the silica preparation affect the plant’s physiology as well as the microclimate? What is the impact of the horn manure preparation on both the plant and soil humus?

Since the inception of biodynamic farming, the effects of these preparations have been studied. Initially, the focus was on measuring their efficiency in terms of yield and quality. The image-forming method provided insights into some aspects of their impact on plant growth, maturation, and soil health. However, a clear scientific explanation of how the preparations work is still lacking, especially when it comes to identifying substitute plants that thrive in other climates.

A continuous and systematic contextualization of existing research is needed, as well as a research platform where results from various methods can be scientifically discussed. This endeavor is progressing well; the research platform (International Biodynamic Research Platform) was established at the 2024 Agricultural Conference at the Goetheanum. It holds regular seminars and now has over 170 members. In early September 2025, the third international research conference will take place at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester (GB). The topic of biodynamic preparations is a key focus among researchers. Recently, a study was published that demonstrated the effects of preparations on the diversity and activity of the soil microbiome: https://academic.oup.com/ismecommun/article/4/1/ycae021/7601005.

Practical research on ashing

In his Agricultural Course, Rudolf Steiner introduced ashing as an agronomic method for dealing with weeds and pests, offering an alternative to harmful agrochemicals. Unlike the biodynamic preparations, ashing has yet to establish a solid foothold in practice. Scientific experiments on ashing have yielded inconclusive results. As a result, discussions among experts have led to the development of a practical research approach as the next logical step. It is suggested that a personal relationship with this method may need to be established for it to be effective. Therefore, the idea is to “simply put it into practice,” much like the spraying of preparations.

This approach should be tested on farms open to ashing, especially those facing significant pest or weed problems. The trial protocol should be straightforward: First, record the extent of the weed or pest infestation. Then, carry out ashing annually and continue to monitor the population over time. Each farm should determine its own method of burning and applying the ashes, much like with biodynamic preparations. The goal is to find 10 to 20 farms willing to apply ashes over a longer period and record their observations.

We would be grateful for your support of this project through a donation!