GOC 2024: Practical Aspects of Biodynamic Farming

The Practical Aspects of Biodynamic Farming with Robby Gass and Chris Boettcher Workshop Bundle includes:

• 1 Audio Recordings of the 4h Workshop
• PDF of the Workshop Presentation (34 pages)

*** Disclaimer: The Guelph Organic Conference is an in person event. We have recorded the sessions and provided them to you here at a significantly discounted rate. The quality of the recordings vary and are best enjoyed when downloaded. To hear a sample recording before purchase listen to the 2024 Keynote Panel session here***

Session Description:

In this 4-hr workshop, we invite you to view the farm as a living organism and learn practices that work in harmony with both the physical and the spiritual realm. Robby Gass and Chris Boettcher will highlight the synergies between biodynamic, organic and regenerative farming approaches and how we can apply lessons learned from each to enhance our understanding of soil and plant health. At the heart of the biodynamic method are the preparations used to treat the soil, compost and crops. Robby and Chris will lead us in making most of these preparations, as we discuss their healing effects on the earth and its produce. Participants will have the opportunity to handle the various materials and preparations to gain a clear understanding of why they are important to the well-being of the whole farm and garden.

Robby Gass

With over 30 years of experience, Robby Gass is a seasoned agricultural manager, consultant and trainer of large-scale mixed organic and biodynamic farming, soil biology and market gardening. Born and raised in South Africa to English-Scottish parents, Robby broadened his understanding and expertise as an educator and consultant in horticulture and organic farming, while earning an MSc in organic farming from the SRUC, Glasgow University. He then attended Dr. Elaine Ingham’s world-renowned Soil Food Web School in Oregon where he was awarded a certificate in soil microscopy.

After coming to Canada in January 2022, Robby worked as Director of Regenerative Agriculture at Refeed Farms in BC, as well as establishing ALBA Organics Consulting in Canada. In December 2022, he was appointed as the Director of Biodynamic Education at the Rudolf Steiner College Canada in Ontario to develop and direct a distance learning, private career training program for biodynamic farming and gardening, a role he continues to fulfil. Robby loves to share his knowledge and experience across a wide array of agricultural and ecological entities towards improving the way we steward our planet for a healthier future.

Chris Boettcher

Coming out of conventional agriculture, Chris Boettcher has practiced biodynamic farming for 25 years. His family-run farm is located in mid-western Ontario. They sell Demeter-certified grains and tofu beans, as well as marketing about 500 lambs from their pasture-based sheep flock. The farm also includes a family orchard and a 5 to 10-acre vegetable operation. The newest addition is a forage-based 200-goat dairy run by the two oldest sons.

If you have any questions or require assistance please email communications@organiccouncil.ca .