Biodynamic farmer | Biodynamic consultant | Farmer trainer
In my experience, Biodynamic agriculture in Southern Africa has high ideals, making it very difficult for any farmer to understand the principles in biodynamic agriculture and bring this to expression on the farm.
If you are wanting to start slowly and work on a specific area of focus, convert your farm, or prepare for certification, I offer a practical approach to biodynamic agriculture. Having worked with many farmers, I have gained an immense amount of skill in manifesting this esoteric principle into their finger tips.
Rates are determined upon the frequency of visits and the scope and length of the project. We can work together to determine whether weekly, monthly or quarterly check-ins are best suited for your budget and goals. While a three-year working cycle is highly recommended in the case of organic or biodynamic farm conversions for tangible, long-term results, shorter term projects are also possible.
Biodynamic Agriculture is an approach to sustainable farming that is inspired
by the philosophy of Anthroposohy as developed by Rudolf Steiner in the late 19th - early 20th centuries in Europe.
A series of 8 lectures by Rudolf Steiner, captured in a book called The Agricultural Course, formed the
foundation from where biodynamic agriculture was developed. This development is ongoing – truly "Farming for the Future".
Develop or improve on the vitality of the farm organism such that cosmic rhythms in life find expression within the material.
Making of all the Biodynamic preparations, assist in correct applications, storage and care of the Biodynamic preparations 500 - 507.
Developing or improve compost systems, include the Biodynamic preparations, to improve soil health and fertility on the farm organism.
Management of animals to allow expression of their innate behaviour with minimum stress in the farm organism.
Sourcing or building unique machines and hand tools - and where necessary - to improve efficiency in operations on the Biodynamic farm.
Implementation of necessary standards in the farm organism to meet Demeter expectations.
Developing production plans for quality and seasonal vegetables and herbs, and with use of the Biodynamic preparations to keep sustain soil health.
Precise use of Biodynamic composts, and careful application of Preparations to ensure production of quality fruit from orchards.
To strengthen, promote and advance the practice of biodynamic agriculture in Southern Africa.
Crossfields / Jan 2013 - Dec 2015
awaiting certificate
An intensive two year land based apprenticeship programme in Biodynamic Agriculture, through Crossfields.
Bloublommetjieskloof Biodynamic Farm / Apr 2011 - Sep 2016
5 Years
Positioned as the Biodynamic farm manager of Bloublommetjieskloof biodyamic farm, developing the professional capacity to completely manage a farm as a Demeter enterprise.
7 Demeter farms / Aug 2015 - Sep 2015
2 Month
I was given the opportunity by Biodynamic Association of Southern Africa to travel to Europe for 2 months and work on 7 Demeter farms and a single week of preparations training with Vincent Masson. I was immersed within a farming community of age old tradition. There I witnessed well designed farming techniques and experienced practical biodynamic farming application. Through many hours of ache and sweat and working side-by-side with Demeter farmers, my hands covered in century old Demeter soils, I began learning this precise art. And the necessity for biodynamic farming in our era.
The Green Road / Oct 2016 - Apr 2017
6 months
As extension services, working with variety of farmers around Stellenbosch and Gordons Bay and into Malmesbury. Developing these farming communities, improving health of their soils, improving their production capacity of crops – planting, nurturing and harvesting - and producing best quality produce at an Organic / Biodynamic level. Improving infrastructure on Demeter farms, standardizing usage of BD preparations and improve productivity within application. Seasonal crop planning and production, through software (AgSquared).
To strengthen, promote and advance the practice of biodynamic agriculture
in Southern Africa.
To connect, ask further information or simply say hello - please send me a message using the form provided.
mail@consulting.lilje.me
+27 (0) 21 712 5722
+27 (0) 76 936 9696