Biodynamic Farming Handbook

'We have run our 10,000-acre wheat farm since 1986 using these practices, supplying clean food and being economically successful doing it. For anybody wanting to find a way of producing the most nutritious and chemical free food you can in your backyard or on a large-scale farm, this book has it all. John shows you how and why certain practices are done. This is a detailed instruction manual. Food and chemicals should never mix. This book will improve the health of all who follow its practices. Great book John.'

Barry Edwards, Biodynamic grain producer, Victoria.

'Highly readable and informative, offering comprehensive guidance and insights for transitioning to biodynamic agriculture - useful for all farmers committed to genuinely regenerative farming.'

Neil Ravenscroft PhD, former director of Tablehurst Farm, Sussex, Honorary Research Fellow at Birkbeck College School of Law.

'A clear and accurate guide to Alex Podolinsky's Australian Demeter Biodynamic Method and a very useful resource for farmers.'

Bridgette Olsen, Agricoltura Vivente, Italy, medicinal herb producer

'This book that John has created is a wonderful resource and reference for new and experienced Biodynamic practitioners who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the Australian Demeter Biodynamic way of farming and gardening. I have been a practising Biodynamic farmer for more than 35 years and I am still learning thanks to this book.'

Mark Peterson, Biodynamic dairy farmer, Victoria

It covers both the theoretical and the operational aspects of Biodynamic practice in a thorough and very readable way. A very thorough, accessible and practical guide to Biodynamics for farmers and growers I wish it had been available when we converted our orchard to Biodynamics 30 years ago!'

Ian Davies, Biodynamic orchardist, Western Australia

'Presents a very clear overview of the method, details the extensive scientific foundation of the method and provides a comprehensive guide to its practical application. As an Agricultural Engineer and Research Scientist, I can confidently state, based on my numerous farm scale trials, academic studies, and shared observations with the farming community that Biodynamics, properly applied, produces wholesome nutrient-rich plants grown unrestricted within the natural processes and are not limited as those plants grown using conventional agricultural methodologies. The resulting biologically dynamic soils increases the soil organic matter, humus, and structure to depth resulting in seasonally resilient productive soils: not depleted shallow soils as is the case resulting from high input conventional agricultural practice where ongoing financial sustainability of such practices is of major concern worldwide.'

Dr John Russell PhD, former lecturer at La Trobe University

'John Bradshaw has produced in the pages of this book a resounding testament to the pioneering work of Alex Podolinsky and to the many farms, farmers and stewards of land that have taken up his thoroughly practical agroecological insights. Attested to by Bradshaw's own grasp of biodynamic methods and its benefits for land and people, the several case studies presented in the latter section of the book provide rich contextual examples of Podolinsky's lasting - and evolving - legacy.'

Jonathan M. Code PhD, Royal Agricultural University, author of 'Muck and Mind'; Lecturer in Sustainable Land Management

'A clear, comprehensive and unique book that provides rich guidance on biodynamic farming and how the interconnected web of life on and near farms can be managed to benefit people and nature.'

Professor Jules Pretty, Professor of Environment & Society; Director, Centre for Public and Policy Engagement (CPPE), University of Essex

'My "elevator pitch" for Biodynamic farming? "It's 95% good farming and 5% magic ... and we all need a bit of magic in our lives!" John Bradshaw's book focuses on the really good, practical farming that is real biodynamic farming, with insightful case studies from many farming sectors, countries and continents. He does not shy away from the "magic" elements, or the preparations. These are explained clearly and practically with scientific backing as to how they work. I will be using this book as a resource in all of my training work from now on.'

Marina O'Connell, Director Apricot Centre, Huxhams Cross Farm, Devon, author of Designing Regenerative Food Systems