Milking routines

Dear students, from the 7th January we will be going to an organic dairy farm in small groups of three in the afternoons to learn how to milk cows and do the feeding and bedding. They are also putting the last screws on their new dairy processing unit so with a bit of luck we can also have a go at making butter and yogurt (not cheese yet). I hope everyone with a car is prepared to drive ...? This is one of the best managed organic dairy farms in the country, they supply the Omsco, and it is a great opportunity to get a good feel for milking cows.
Arjen

Hotbed !

Hallo boppers,
I'm working hard on my hotbed - that was a brilliant inspiration during that class. Got 8 straw bales from Tablehurst and some 'fish and bones' for nitrogen - that should get it going for 8 to 10 weeks! I burnt 50 pounds worth of gas in just 10 days... that was horrendous so we started digging the hotbed. When you come back hopefully you'll be able to admire the result. Enjoy your holidays and don't eat too many mince pies. Arjen

emersons weird communication politics

sorry, this is not the thoughtful comment the title suggests. just realised that emerson does not provide contact details for any of the teaching staff on their website. meaning, arjen, i havent got your e-mail address, and loch arthur want it (and your phone-no.) for a reference.
speaking of which, did you talk to barry or peter? and what did they say?
anyway, enjoy the empty college all of you that are still there, or enjoy whereever you are, happy rest of advent, katharina

And if this is the only reason you don't shop at Tesco it's enough: 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2128067,00.html

BD is cropping up all over the place, check out Daryl Hannah's Week21:   http://www.dhlovelife.com/v2/knowdummy/dhindepth.php

For all those who cant get enough of nutrient budgets here's the online software:

http://www.planet4farmers.co.uk/welcome/index.html

New bloggers

Hello students, I have all sent you an invitation to join this blog so that we can use it for the placement - as a means to stay in touch with each other and read about your growing, milking and getting married! Drop me a mail if you didn't receive an invitation or if there are any other problems.

Job Offer for Grower at Duchy Home Farm

Full Time Vegetable Grower

Required for organic farm supplying seasonal produce through own box scheme, small retail enterprise and farmers markets.

Would suit an organized and enthusiastic individual with experience of large-scale organic vegetable production. The role would involve working on own initiative as well as within a team environment

We also require a

Part-Time Vegetable Grower

(with a view to becoming a full-time position)

To work alongside other members of our small team on many aspects of the vegetable production and harvesting.

Please apply in writing, including your current C.V to:-

Mr David Wilson

Duchy Home Farm

Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8SE

Email: vegbox@duchyhomefarm.org.uk

Tel: 01666 503507

Biodynamic Organic Agriculture Training

The Biodynamic Organic Agriculture Training at Emerson College is a unique combination of using scientific knowledge and artistic skills in order to create healthy balanced sustainable farms. We use the insights into the formative processes at work in minerals and plants to create life abundant soils that nourish crops on all levels. We use our observational skills to get a glance of farm animals' innate soul qualities in order to create the natural environment in which they thrive. And we use the latest scientific insights in life force research to assess the nutritive quality of the food we produce. The Biodynamic Organic Agriculture Training is not just about learning how to drive a tractor - although that is part of the curriculum too! - it is about developing new ways of working with nature and increasing your knowledge of the supersensible world.

The Biodynamic Organic Agriculture Training is a offered as a winter school: from September to March students study at Emerson College, working on subjects like vegetable and fruit production, animal husbandry, soil science, phenomenology and art. From April to August student do a placement on an organic or biodynamic farm. In September students come back for the second year of the training, with subjects like seed growing and breeding, farm business management, research in formative forces and social dynamics. In April the second placement takes place, and in August students graduate with an official level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Agriculture. Graduates are then ready to take on a responsible position on an organic or biodynamic farm as herdsman, crop producer or vegetable grower.

There is a high demand for graduates, most students find a paid job within 3 months of finishing the course!

Tuition fees: £ 2,178 per year, reduction possible through placement farm contribution.

Students can apply for financial support (Adult Learning Grant, etc.)

Emerson College, tel. 01342-822238

www.biodynamics.org.uk

www.emerson.org.uk

What is Biodynamics?

Biodynamic farming is the oldest form of organic farming, and the most advanced at the same time. Biodynamic farmers follow all the EU 2092/91 rules and regulations on organic production and have been working since 1925 to increase the fertility of the soils on their farms. Apart from that, biodynamic farmers use certain herbal preparations and homeopathic remedies to sustain the life forces on their farms on a supersensible level.

The living food that we eat does not just consist of proteins and minerals, but feeds our life forces at the same time. Biodynamic farming is the most holistic approach to creating whole-farm systems, where soils, crops, animals and humans are made part of an integrated and coherent farm organism. Biodynamically grown food nourishes not only our physical body but feeds our soul as well!