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By Birgit Landowne, Farm Manager at Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm
June 27, 2025
We once again had the great pleasure of hosting BDNAC (Biodynamic Association of Northern California) at the Summerfield farm on Saturday, June 21. Perfectly coinciding with Summer Solstice, the large gathering of over 50 people was filled with leaders and experts in the Biodynamic® field, offering an incredible opportunity for educational growth and community to hold deep discussions about the core principles of Biodynamic® farming as it relates to the theme of Warmth.
We began our morning with a healthy breakfast and a melodic practice of Eurythmy with Lilith Dupuis, feeling the movement warming our soul, and to set our intentions for the day.
Guest speaker, Dr. Daciana Iancu, MD, double board certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine, and certified in Anthroposophic Medicine, spoke to the Valerian plant in terms of its medicinal benefits and afterward we wandered the farm quietly doing silent observations of the plant. Harald Hoven (master Biodynamic® Gardener and Teacher) and Luke Frey (proprietor of Frey Vineyards, the first certified Organic and Biodynamic® winery in America) made a traditional Biodynamic® Yarrow Preparation (BD 502) by filling a stag's bladder with yarrow flowers. It will hang in the sun over summer and will be buried in the fertile soil over winter before its removal in spring for use in compost. This preparation stimulates potassium and sulfur processes in the soil and enhances the uptake of trace elements, acting as a catalyst for soil stability and energy flow.
Traveling all the way from Oregon to be with us, Rebecca Briggs, the Communications & Outreach Director of the Biodynamic Association spoke about the collaboration between Demeter and BDANC and how both organizations work hand-in-hand to promote the learning and integration of Biodynamic® farming across the country.
Art is always incorporated into our gatherings and the group created beautiful pastel drawings during a lesson with Denise Sacks, certified Nurturing Artist. The theme of “warmth in colors” using the yarrow plant as the study inspired creativity, inner reflection, and beautiful works representing nature and our soul.
Summerfield parent & board member, and founder of nearby Singing Frogs Farm, Elisabeth Kaiser, led an informative workshop with interns & apprentices about the essence of working and living the farm live. Singing Frogs Farm is dedicated to regenerative, no-till, ecologically beneficial practices, and the recipient of seven Ecological Farming Awards. Education is a key tenet in their farming philosophy and they host workshops year-round for the public that will engage and inspire. singingfrogsfarm.com/learn
We shared delicious biodynamically grown meals together, feasting on homemade pizza from our wood-fired oven lovingly made by our Assistant School Chef, Caitlin; recent 2025 graduate Phelan, and Michael Presley, Soilkeeper at DaVero Farms & Winery. Also a Demeter Certified Biodynamic® farm, DaVero’s commitment to permaculture, regenerative farming, and wild ecological principles are the foundation of their award-winning wines and olive oils in Dry Creek Valley.
A few guests from further afield were invited to sleep out under the stars to take in all that is the beauty and wonder of our beloved farm. And we’re always happy to have returning alumni, teachers, and farm friends join us. We caught up with Ronnie Sands (former Summerfield permaculturist and garden teacher), Cheryl Paulus, (former Summerfield woodworking teacher and Certified Water Efficient Landscaper); and pioneer Biodynamic® Apiarist (Beekeeper), Michael Thile, who is the Founder & Executive Director of Apis Aborea. Through his organization, Gaia Bees, they advance biodynamic practices in apiculture by preserving the life and resiliency of honeybees through self-willed ecological processes and the use of a holistic system and science-based framework in working with bees.
A big thank you to students Lilly Buller and Analise Kaiser for providing childcare during the conference too!
