The Biodynamic Farm

The Biodynamic Farm: Developing a Holistic Organism

Large-scale agriculture tends to view a farm as a means for producing a certain amount of grain, milk or meat. This practical book argues instead for a holistic method of farming: the farm as a living organism. This is the principle of biodynamic farming.

The author, an experienced farmer, takes a down-to-earth approach. Based on an example farm of around 60 hectares, he recommends the ideal numbers of livestock: 12 cows, 4 horses, 6 pigs, 10 sheep and 120 hens. This mix is drawn from Osthaus’s deep understanding of nature, animals, agriculture and the cosmos, and from his many years of personal experience as a biodynamic farmer and teacher. The result is a healthy, balanced and sustainable farm.

This is an invaluable book for anyone considering setting up a farm, or developing their existing farm with new biodynamic methods.

About the Author

Karl-Ernst Osthaus was born in Germany in 1926. After the war, he became a farmer, practising biodynamics for over 50 years. In his later years, his focus was on seed raising, as well as teaching. He died in 2008.