Biodynamic field day held at vineyard

New Era Agriculture manager Jack Wanklyn addresses the biodynamic field day at Northburn Vineyard near Cromwell while Nick Paulin aerates water used on the vineyard by stirring it in a figure-eight motion. Photo by Colin Williscroft.

Attendees heard presentations on why biodynamic farming works, how to make it work on individual properties and certification issues.

There were also practical demonstrations on how to make and mix biodynamic preparations and composts, and when to apply them for maximum effect.

Speakers included New Era Agriculture manager and Gisborne hill country farmer Jack Wanklyn, Earth Matters editor Lis Alington and Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association secretary David Wright.

The day was aimed at commercial growers wanting to increase market profile and profitability, while expanding their options for sustainability. It also attracted people already familiar with biodynamic methods.

Mr Wright said biodynamics was a systems-based approach in which the farm was viewed as a living whole, with each farming activity affecting others.

A form of organic agriculture, with no synthetic inputs such as herbicides, pesticides or insecticides allowed, biodynamics also recognised farming was influenced by cosmic rhythms such as the movement of the moon and other planets, Mr Wright said.

- colin.williscroft@odt.co.nz