Biodynamic Farming Weekend

This is a weekend long event with sessions on both Saturday and Sunday. Participants can register for individual sessions or buy a ticket for the whole weekend. 

Weekend Schedule: 

Saturday October 17th, 2026: 

Session 1: Biodynamic Composting Workshop lead by Jeff Poppen and Against the Grain Farm 10:00am-12:00pm 

On Saturday morning we will explore the living forces that are present in the soil and how biodynamic preparations can be used to enliven compost piles to further vitalize the farm. We will discuss the ingredients and methods we use to make compost on our farm, and why compost is extremely important for growing nutritious crops. We have a series of compost piles in all different stages so folks can compare and certainly bring forth questions about making their own compost.

Potluck Lunch 12:00pm- We will have a potluck lunch on Saturday in between sessions- please feel welcome to bring your favorite farm food dish.

Session 2: Biodynamic Stirring and Spreading of Horn Manure Preparation "BD500" lead by Jeff Poppen and Against the Grain Farm 1:00-3:00pm

On Saturday afternoon we will take a look at the Horn Manure preparation, "BD500," and talk about how it's made, how it's put out, and its influence on the farm. We will physically put some out at the farm here with the group, and also discuss the importance of the balance between BD500 and Horn Silica, "BD501." These preparations help us to grow our food in living soil, again emphasizing encouraging vitality on the farm, because "when the crops feed us, they should not merely fill our stomachs but also further our inner life, the end view being the best sustenance of human nature that's possible."

Sunday October 18th, 2026:

Session 3: Open Discussion with Jeff "The Barefoot Farmer" Poppen 10:30am-12:30pm

Sunday mid-morning we will have an open discussion, if anyone would like to bring their own farming or market garden questions (biodynamic or in general) that they would like to ask Jeff. We will certainly be talking about and cover a variety of biodynamic and good farming practice topics.

About Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture: Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture helps build an equitable, sustainable High Country local food system by supporting producers and cultivating community connections that educate, inspire, and increase the demand for local food. Blue Ridge Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) cultivates meaningful mentor relationships between aspiring and experienced farmers. ​We believe that the educational and professional development of tomorrow’s growers and producers informs the health of our diverse local-food system and rural economy. Check out our other workshops and events for producers at brwia.org/craft.

About Against the Grain Farm Holly Whitesides and Andy Bryant have been farming organically together since 2010. In the spring of 2012, they bought the land that would become Against the Grain, and in the 2013 growing season, they were introduced to Biodynamic farming practices. Growing food that nurtures a whole human being, body, soul and spirit, has always been a shared passion for Holly and Andy. The Biodynamic approach provides a framework of principles that guide the farm's growth and development in a holistic way. Holly has been farming full time since 2012, and in October of 2014, the farm welcomed Beatrice Lytton Bryant to the family. In the spring of 2015, Andy transitioned to farming full time, which has allowed the farm to grow by leaps and bounds. The farm welcomed two more family members, Corva Lucilla Bryant in April of 2018 and Linnea Marin in January 2021. We hope that our love of the farm and our passion for growing nutritious food comes through in the products that we offer our community.

About Jeff Poppen and the Long Hungry Creek Farm- I grew up on farmland near Chicago, and got my own in Tennessee 50 years ago.Starting with the organic method my dad used, inspired by Rodale and Acres publications, I began integrating biodynamic principles in our market garden 40 years ago. Our farm has always had cattle, whose manure was (and is) composted for crop production. I love old time farming wisdom, such as crop and animal rotations, manuring, spreading ashes and lime, and letting the land rest in cover crops or woods. A quote exemplifies that these intrinsic agricultural practices are nothing new.