Getting Started in Biodynamic - Applying Preparations

8/9/2019 Getting Started in Biodynamic - Applying Preparations

1/8

In our last article, (Vol.20 Vol 3 Spring2003,) we discussed the BiodynamicPreparations and why we use them. Now,we take a look at how, when, and withwhat equipment you can easily apply thesepreparations to get your farm soil andatmosphere more active, balanced andhealthy.

USING WATER TO HARNESSENERGY

One of the key principles ofBiodynamics is to harness and maximiseenergy from nature. When applyingBiodynamic Preparations, this is donethrough a process of stirring thepreparations in water.

The Biodynamic preparation is crumbledor placed in the water, which is thenenergised for one hour by hand, or by usinga specially designed stirring machine orFlowforms that creates vortices of energy.

In Biodynamics, we work with very

small quantities of the preparations whichhold immense forces, and to activate thepreparations we need to incorporate theminto water that is sensitive and able tocarry these forces out onto the land. For

instance, with the Horn ManurePreparation (500) you require just 75g perHa stirred in 34 litres of water. With theHorn Silica preparation (501) you requirejust 2g per Ha.

The stirring process creates life givingvortices which increase oxygen and give thewater a pulse. The water actually takes onthe memory and vitality of the BiodynamicPreparations that are added to it. Afterapproximately 30 minutes of stirring, theviscosity of the water changes and becomes

more slippery and easier to stir.Once the preparations have been

energised in good quality water for anhour they are then applied to the landusing either a spray tank mounted on atractor, utility or small aircraft, or put outby hand application for smaller areas.

EQUIPMENT ANDCALIBRATION

As with any organic practice, the type ofequipment used is of paramount

Flowform Tank Setup

GETTING STARTEDIN BIODYNAMICS

how to apply the Preparationsby Cheryl Kemp

4 Town and Country Farmer Summer 2003

USING WATER TO HARNESSENGERY

Everything living is rhythmical.Everything is born through the wateryrealm. Water cannot refuse; its the mostsacrificial element. Flowing processes, intowhich life can slip. We are trying with stirring to slip positive processes into

water. Water moves in circling processes.Vortices reorganize and remove thememories within water, wiping it clean. Avortex in water is only a tiny part of thewhole body. Thrust in water generatessymmetrical forms. Mountain streams area chaos of rhythms. Rhythm is the productof resistance. Movement does a great dealto neutralize negative influences ormemories in water. Memories in water arethe vibrations between the bonds ofoxygen and hydrogen. Water can be seenas 2 dimensional, sliding over itself inlayers, veil like structures, with manysurfaces.

AREA OF LAND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Small garden 1 ha 1 ha 20 litre bucket or old copper; Hearth brush for putting out soil sprays; Backpack for putting out atmospheric sprays.

1 ha -14 ha 200 litre plastic drum with large pole suspended;or flow form or stirring machine;

backpack and 1 large droplet spray nozzle and 1 finemist spray nozzle.

Large to broad-acre Flowform or stirring machine; Tractor, utility or aircraft mounted spray tank; Fine mist rig and large droplet rig.

Stirring and spreading Biodynamic Preparations is at the core of Biodynamic practices. Howoften and in what combinations a farmer chooses to apply the Biodynamic Preparations to his

land will greatly influence the speed at which his soil and overall farm health regenerates.


2/8

importance to the final result. Theequipment chosen will very much depend onthe size of land you are working with. If

doing a small trial block of say 1-2 Ha, thenhand application is still possible,however forlarger areas the use of specifically designedmechanised equipment is more realistic.

Hand ApplicationIf the area to cover is only small, the

preparation can be stirred in a bucket orold copper, or earthen ware pot. However,it is important to choose a container that

will comfortably stir the amount of waterrequired i.e. for 1/2 Ha, you require 17litres of water.

Use your hand or a stick to form avigorous vortex in the centre of the water.Once the hole of the vortex reaches thebottom of the container, change directionwith your stirring, causing great chaos. Stirthe other way until the vortex reaches thebottom again,then back the other way again.

You can pause to watch the amazingpatterns in the water, but it is important to

keep the water in motion all the time forthe hour. Some people choose to stiralone, using it as a quite meditative andreflective time, whilst others get the wholefamily or friends involved to help share thestirring and putting out of the preparations.

For larger areas, say up to 5 Ha, 170litres of water can be stirred in a 200 litredrum, using a strong stick with a paddle onthe end to get a smooth flowing vortex. Itworks best if you have the top of the sticktied to a tree branch, shed or verandahbeam overhead, to take the weight andstop the stick wobbling in the water flow.

In Germany they use a tripod set upover a wine barrel, its very balanced and apleasure to stand and stir the preparationsthis way.

Mechanical ApplicationTwo mechanical devices for effective

stirring are available to the BiodynamicFarmer: the Stirring Machine, developed and

accepted approximately 40 years ago,which enables 160 400 litres ofpreparations to be stirred at a time, and

the Flowform, a more recentinnovation, appearing about 15 yearsago, which enables the farmer to stir 500litres to 2800 litres per hour.These innovations have greatly

enhanced the uptake of Biodynamicpractices by larger commercial farmers.Both devices still stir for one hour andwork on the principal of creating vortices;the stirring machine creates verticalvortices as does hand stirring, while theFlowforms create horizontal vortices, allleading to the same energetic pulsing ofthe water.

Stirring Machines, usually made ofcopper or stainless steel,are built to stir thewater to create a vortex in one direction,then switch back the other way initiallycreating chaos and then a vortex in theother direction. The paddle in the stirringmachine should develop a vortex in 18-24seconds, rest for 5 seconds and then startthe cycle in reverse.

Flowforms are a series of bowls that

Stirring Machine in Action

Vortex Hand Stirring

Town and Country Farmer Summer 2003 5


3/8

allow the water to flow around in a vortexeither side of the double bowl and thendrop in chaos, to form another vortex like an elongated vortex that you wouldget in the bowl. The water flows to thebottom container and is then pumped upto the top again to go through the series offorms again.

Phil Sedgman, Flowform manufacturer,describes them as living lungs that aids inthe reoxygenation of water to restore it asclose as possible, to its mountain stream

state.Flowforms vs. Stirring MachinesThe choice of device will come down to

a combination of personal preference, thesize of the land, and economics.

Stirring machines were very popularwhen they were first invented here inAustralia as they saved lots of time.

They are good for small to mediumsized properties, with a capacity of 160 400 litres per hour, farmers can coverapproximately 4.7 Ha per hour. However,when used on large properties where largequantities are required, 3-4 batches need

to be mixed each afternoon over the weekto cover the land. If you have to keepcoming back to refill, it soon palls, and theimportant application of the preparationstends to get put off.

For larger farms, the increasing trend istowards the flow forms as lot of water canbe stirred at once. Using a flow form,farmers are able to fill a large 1,000 to2,000 litre tank on their tractor and spraymany paddocks, often covering the area at25 40 Ha per hour.

While not many trials have actuallybeen done, it is generally considered that

hand stirring is best, as it puts the farmersenergy in direct contact with thepreparations going out onto the land.However, outcomes and results by farmersusing Flowforms over the past 15 yearsshow that the preparations are workingvery well when applied in this manner.

Flowforms also offer the flexibility andthe ability to expand, with a range ofmodels varying from 3 bowls that handle

1000 litres/hr, 5 bowls 1900 litres/hr and 7bowls 2800 litres/hour. There is also asmall model that can handle 500 litres perhour for smaller property owners.Spray Rig

All tanks must be clean and have notbeen used for any chemical application, asresidues will remain in the plastic andimpact greatly on the effectiveness of theBiodynamic Preparations. All rubber and

plastic fittings and nozzles also need to befree of any chemical residues.

For large droplet application, a centralthree-jet nozzle mounted low to theground will give between 10-15 metres ofcoverage at a pressure of 10 (0.7 bar) to 40psi. For fine spray mist application, finenozzles and a higher pressure ofapproximately 25 -100 psi. is used.

It is extremely important that all

Hand Applications of 500 Stainless Steel Spray Rig



4/8

Biodynamic Preparations are filteredthrough a fine mesh filter sock or stockingbefore going into a spray rig or irrigationsystem to avoid any unnecessary cloggingof pumps, pipes and nozzles.Water

The water should be the best available,either spring or rainwater. Those on townwater should avoid the use of any chlorinatedor fluoridated water. If using bore water,ensure that there is no contamination withiron,aluminum and calcium.

In colder climates, some farmers chooseto warm the water to blood temperatureeither by wood or gas fire. This however, isup to the individual farmer. Many a goodBiodynamic farmer still gets resultswithout warming the water.

THE METHODApplication of the various Biodynamic

Preparations can be classified into twomain groups: - those preparations that are for the soil

and

those that are for the atmosphere.Soil Preparations

Soil preparations include Horn ManurePreparation (500), Manure Concentrate(Cow Pat Pit), Fermented Casuarina andWinter Horn Clay. All these preparationsare stirred in water for one hour (with theexception of the Manure Concentrate &Fermented Casuarina which are added forthe last twenty minutes).

The soil preparations are applied inlarge droplet form to the soil, late in the

BIODYNAMIC EQUIPMENT

STIRRING MACHINE Copper Tank

Galv.Steel Frame

60 Gallon Capacity

All new material used Electric motor base mounted

PRICE - $2450 + GST

SPRAY TANK Stainless Steel 60 Gall.

Mounted on 3 pl linkage

Swing out boom arms PRICE - $1200 + GST

Contact KEVIN WILLSPhone (02) 6550 5179 Email [email protected]

Manufacturing B.D. equipment for 20 yrs.

Albrecht-

Mikhail system

" Giving YOU control not a Fertiliser Company!" Recommendations Based on Australian Research" 100% Australian owned and operated" Guaranteed 5-Day turnaround

The Ultimate in Balanced Soil Technology

ACN: 26 005 031 569PO Box 59D, Noble Park, Vic. 3174

Phone: (03) 9701 6007 Fax: (03) 9701 5712email: [email protected]

Web: www.swep.com.au

Contact us for more information and a FREE Sampling Kit

MANUFACTURED

TO SUIT

BIODYNAMIC

PRINCIPLES

Kevin Wills, who has been in the

sheet metal fabrication trade for 35

years, started manufacturingbiodynamic equipment in 1986.

Having moved from Sydney 20 yearsago to raise their young family in thecountry and to form a new life style, theWills live on a 140 acre beef cattle farmwest of Wingham (which is situated onthe mid north coast of NSW)

His equipment, which is hand craftedfrom all new materials, is manufacturedto suite biodynamic principles, and hasbeen sent to Tasmania, Victoria, SouthAustralia, NSW and Northern

Queensland.Designed to follow biodynamic

principle, his equipment has coveredmany aspects of biodynamic agriculturei.e. grapes wine making, pastureimprovement, commercial biodynamicvegetables, dairies and beef cattle.

Stirring MachineMade of copper (preferred material)

with a galvanised steel frame, thestirring machine simply plugs into a240V outlet and is ready to use.

Run by a one horse power electricmotor, the stirring action is top mounted

with a full depth vortex. It has anautomatic reversing action (equalrotation each way) and a high volumeoutlet drain.

Spray TankMade of 1.2mm thick stainless steel

and mounted in a galvanised steelframe, the spray tank is ready to attachonto a tractor 3-point linkage.

The spray tank has an 8 metre spraycoverage and features a high volumefiller, approved easy to clean jet nozzles,and folding boom arms for ease ofstorage and mobility. s



5/8

afternoon from 3pm onwards (when therhythm of the earth is said to be breathingin) and usually in a descending moon phase.Atmospheric Preparations

Atmospheric preparations includeHorn Silica (Preparation 501), SummerHorn Clay and Fresh Casuarina. Thesepreparations are stirred in water for onehour and then applied in a fine mistupwards at sunrise (as the earth is

breathing out), it is important to befinished no later than 10.00am

FREQUENCY OF APPLICATIONA basic minimum program would be to

apply all the Soil and Atmosphericpreparations four times per year, twice inspring and twice in autumn. Some farmershowever have been using the preparationsmonthly for the first year with a wonderfulincrease in soil life,a much improved soilstructure, and increased rooting depth.

One farmer noted that when he rippedhis land prior to planting, he only neededto rip once to 60cm, where as another area

of land nearby, that had not received theBiodynamic Preparations, took 3 rips toget to the same level. The soil had muchbetter water holding capacity and hesurprised his conventional farmer friendswith the growth he achieved withoutapplying water soluble fertilisers.

Depending on the crop and climate, theapplication of Biodynamic sprays can betailored to suit individual farmingenterprises.

Table 1 provides a brief and limiteddescription of the basic application ofBiodynamic Preparations.

Further details can be obtained from

selected texts (Grasp the Nettle, byPeter Proctor, Agriculture, by RudolfSteiner) or by attending an IntroductoryBiodynamic workshop.

ENSURING SUCCESSThe Biodynamic Preparations are living

substance and as such need to be used andstored with care. If a preparation has been allowed to dry

out, or sealed too tightly, it can spoil.

If ordering preparations, they need tobe used within a few days of receivingthem.

If making and storing BiodynamicPreparations, then these need to bekept moist and cool. The recommendedstorage method is in a glazedearthenware, glass or enamel container,which is then placed in a wooden boxsurrounded by moist peat moss.

Biodynamic storage containers shouldbe kept in a cool shed or cellar awayfrom any potential contaminants.How often and in what combinations a

farmer chooses to apply the BiodynamicPreparations to his land will greatlyinfluence the speed at which his soil andoverall farm health regenerates.

Knowledge of the current condition ofyour soil is also of great importance inensuring success. As great as theBiodynamic Preparations are, they will beless effective if major nutrients arecritically out of balance in the soil.

The first starting point is identifying thecondition of your soil, by either readingthe landscape or obtaining an Albrechttype soil test. The soil test will identify

available nutrients, the Ca:Mg ratio and

the ph and cation exchange capacity ofyour soil.

Where major nutrients are criticallymissing, then these need to be rectified.Elements that are marginal can beobserved and will usually improve with thecontinued application of BiodynamicPreparations. The soil test also acts as auseful starting reference on whatimprovements occur over the years as the

Biodynamic Preparations are applied.Biodynamic Preparations, nozzles, filters, Flowforms and stirring machinescan be accessed direct or via Biodynamic AgriCulture Australia. As seen from theimages that accompany this article, theimagination and ingenuity of the farmer isthe only limiting factor in the type ofequipment set-up that you choose forapplying your Biodynamic Preparations.s

In the next issue we will look atmanaging weeds and insects in theBiodynamic system.

* Biodynamic AgriCulture Australia


Biodynamic AgriCulture Australiamakes commercial quantities for its

members of all the BiodynamicPreparations. Introductory Biodynamic

workshops are run across Australiathroughout the year and members canalso access a phone advisory service.Further details can be obtained from

www.biodynamics.net.auor Ph 02 6655 0566

or email: [email protected]

TABLE 1Biodynamic Preparation Frequency Timing Rate MethodSoil Preparations

Horn Manure Preparation (500) 2-4 times per year After 3.00pm 30g per acre in 13 litres or Stir in water for one hour.in Spring & Autumn 75g per Ha in 34 litres

Manure Concentrate (CPP) Weekly, monthly or with After 3.00pm 120g per acre in 13 litres Stir on own for 20 minutes or in withrest of soil preparations or 250g per Ha in 34 litres Horn Manure Preparation 500

add at last 20 minutes of stirring.Fermented Casuarina Tea Can be used on own or After 3.00pm 1 litre per ha diluted in Stir on own for 20 minutes or in with

with the rest of the 20-40 litres of water Horn Manure Preparation 500.soil preparations as a soil spray or just added

to Horn Manure Prep 500 mix.Winter Horn Clay 2-4 times per year in After 3.00pm 4g per acres or 10g per ha Stir in water for one hour with Horn

Spring & Autumn Manure Preparation (500).

Atmospheric Preparations

Horn Silica Preparation (501) 2-4 times per year, on morning Early morning sunrise 0.5g to 1g per acre in Stir in water for one hour. Ensure allfollowing soil sprays or on own 13 litres or 2g per Ha in spraying finished by 10.00am otherwiseprior to fruit/grain harvest 34 litres severe burning can occur.

Summer Horn Clay 2-4 times per year in Early morning sunrise 4g per acres or 10g per Ha Stir in water for one hour with HornSpring & Autumn Silica Preparation (501).

Fresh Casuarina Tea Use with Horn Silica Early Morning Sunrise85ml per Ha in 34 litres of Stir for 20 minutes or add into HornPreparation (501) or on own water. Silica Preparation (501) mix.in stress fungal conditions

Plant Tonics

Biodynamic Seaweed Brew Weekly or monthly depending Anytime Dilute at the ratio of 1:10 Agitate when mixing in water. Best to

on crop litres per Ha. use on own.Biodynamic Fish Emulsion Weekly or monthly depending Anytime Dilute at the ratio of 1:10 Stir for 20 minutes or can be added into

on crop litres per Ha. 500 mix..


6/8

For the last 11 years, Susan Schmiedte

and Greg Murphy have been running theirfarm, Pelicans Nest, at Morpeth in theHunter Valley, biodynamically.

Aiming at biodiversity, they run amixed farm with a small beef herd, twodairy cows, chickens for meat and eggs, anextensive herb and vegetable garden and afew acres of lucerne for hay making. In1999 they built a two storey recycledtimber yurt, which provides the perfectway for visitors to experience first hand aworking biodynamic farm.

What goes on at Pelicans NestSusan and Greg bought their 20 acre

farm, which is on a large floodplain in the

lower Hunter Valley, in 1990. They startedwith organics in mind however, after afield day visit to the late Leon Sivyersfarm at Halton on the Allyn River, theywere sold on Biodynamics.

Leon was passionate aboutBiodynamics and an inspiration to manybudding Biodynamic farmers andgardeners, says Greg.

From having put out our firstapplication of Horn Manure Preparation(500), we have continually been inspiredand satisfied with the results of all theBiodynamic preparations and practices.

Susan and Greg both work Pelicans Nest

full time and have done so for about 7 years.They farm their fertile 20 acres intensivelywith 2 house cows, 10 Murray Grey breedersand 1 bull,with the calves sold as yearlings toa small group of discerning meat lovers.Chickens for eggs and meat, raised inmoveable open bottom cages on lucerne,also add to their product list.

They grow their own lucerne for haymainly to feed their own stock, and sell

any surplus. Then theres the vegetablegarden, which is worked by Susan andGreg and 3 other families.

This approach combines many yearsof gardening experience and gives us allgreat vegies, says Greg.

In addition to all this,about 4 years ago,Susan and Greg built a two storey yurtnext to the house.

The yurt is used as a Bed and

Breakfast/Farmstay and sometimesdoubles as a classroom, advises Greg.Many of our customers stay with us to

learn about Biodynamics and takeadvantage of our 2 hour Introduction toBiodynamic Farm Tours.

As we use all the Biodynamic practicesand preparations on our farm, a farm tourincludes demonstrations or descriptions ofapplication, methods and storage of all the

practices and preparations.Others just come to relax, eat great

home grown biodynamic food and enjoyour tranquil setting overlooking thePaterson River.

The aims at Pelicans Nest are to:- Improve and vitalise the soil using good

farming practices and Biodynamicpreparations, which results in increasedsustainability of soil and highly

nutritious food from the farm. Grow and offer safe, nutritious food tolocal people.

Maintain and increase biodiversity onthe farm in relation to vegetation i.e.varieties of pasture plants and trees,which increase insect, native bird andreptile habitat and a variety of domesticpoultry and animals.

See the farm as far as possible as acomplete organism, where importedfarm inputs are keep at a minimum,e.g., organic certified chicken grainsthat cant be grown on the farm.

Provide work experience and learningopportunities to WWOOFers,interested people and students to learnmore about Biodynamics. e.g. School,TAFE and University student workexperience, and to run workshops,courses and field days in conjunctionwith biodynamic groups and otherinterested groups.

Treat the riverbank with care andencourage vegetation to protect thebanks and the health of the river,and touse the water wisely.

The BeginningsIn the autumn of 1992, when Susan and

Greg purchased sufficient Horn ManurePreparation (500) from the Biodynamic

PELICANS NEST a Biodynamic Farm

Bed & Breakfast experience!

Making Compost - Pelicans Nest

Vegetable Garden at Pelicans Nest



7/8

Farmers and Gardeners Association ofAustralia (now called BiodynamicAgriCulture Australia) to apply to onesmall paddock, they invited their childrenand close friends to celebrate this specialmoment with them.

They placed the Horn ManurePreparation (500) in a large hard plasticbucket with approximately 14 litres ofwarm water and stirred in therecommended way for one hour.

We all had a go at stirring,says Susan.

We explained to each person what ourintention was and how the application ofthis preparation was going to affect oursoil. Everybody got in the spirit and in notime we had completed the stirring andwere eager for the spreading.

We poured the contents into sixbuckets and handed out banister brushesfor dipping into the Horn ManurePreparation (500) and spreading it overthe paddock. Everybody had a go,with much fun and frivolity.

It was a memorable start, andthe first of many applications ofHorn Manure Preparation (500).

These days, the Horn ManurePreparation (500) is stirred in a 160litre stainless steel stirring machine.They also have an old washingmachine barrel which has beenaltered to fit inside the large stirringmachine over the paddles in such away that when the paddles of thelarger machine rotate, they cause thepaddles in the smaller machine torotate and they create a very nicevortex in the smaller machine.

The smaller machine mixes theequivalent of one and a half acres (20litres), and is used for stirring smaller

quantities for the vegetable garden.Having recently acquired a wine barrel,it is Susan and Gregs intention to stir (500)by hanging a paddle from the shed beam,similar to the way it is done in Europe. Thereasoning is that they feel they will beputting more of themselves into the stirring,rather than having it done by a machine.

For the initial straining of the solidsmaterial, a double layer of panty hose isfixed to the outlet hose of the stirringmachine. The horn manure is then furtherstrained through a plumbers sock(obtainable from a plumbers supply shop)into the spray tank.

Our spray tank is unique in that itconsists of a disused 18 gallon keg,advises Greg, which is ideal for thespraying of 6 acres at a time.

The pump is a Forbes pump whichoperates off the Power Take Off (PTO).

We purchased a 500 spray head fromRob White, Technical Officer withBiodynamic AgriCulture Australia, and inthe line up to the spray head,I have placeda small garden filter.

Greg says the reason he goes to all thetrouble of filtering the (500) is that hedoesnt wish to be caught with a blockedspray line in the middle of spraying apaddock.

Biodynamic PracticesHorn Manure Preparation (500) is

sprayed over the whole farm at least threetimes per year during autumn and spring.

If the soil is dry at the time ofapplication, we then apply it again aftersuitable rain, Greg says. From ourexperience, the application of HornManure on moist soil appears to be moreeffective.

As they are continually cultivating thegarden beds, (500) is applied in the

vegetable garden approximately eighttimes during the yearAccording to Susan, the Horn Manure

Preparation (500), which works with thesoil, needs to be balanced by spraying withthe Horn Silica Preparation (501), whichworks with the parts of the plants thatgrow above the soil.

A special spray head, alsomanufactured by Rob White, is used for

the Horn Silica Preparation (501).When spraying the smaller area of the

vegetable garden they use a back pack

with a fine mist spray.Susan and Greg also continually make

and use compost on the farm, mainly fortheir vegetable garden.

Their farm operates with WWOOFers(Willing Workers on Organic Farms) andsome of their tasks include the collectionof cow manure and excess vegetation,which enables them to make compost.Operating as a Farm Education Centre,they also have plenty of opportunity tomake compost with the various groupsvisiting the farm.

Another on-farm Biodynamic practiceis the making of Manure Concentrate(cow pat pit). There are now two cow patpits on the farm. The Manure Concentrateobtained from the pit is used in a numberof ways as a great medium for putting theBiodynamic compost preparations overthe whole of the farm.

The mixture is added to molasses andwarm water and is sprayed over thepasture to give it a good boost and aid inthe break down of organic matter tohumus. It is also added to their liquidmanures and sprayed on the pastures aftergrazing; when they feel the need to spray asecond application of Horn ManurePreparation (500). They also add theManure Concentrate in the last 20 minutes

of stirring the (500).

Liquid manures are made from variousplants growing on the farm, in 120160 litrehard plastic ex-food containers, with shadecloth as lids, to keep the mosquitoes outand allows the universal forces in.

We have a considerable number ofcontainers and make the followingBiodynamic liquid manures:- Thistle,Fennel, Inkweed, Comfrey, Lucerne,Willow, She-oak, Nettle, Cow manure andSeaweed, all with compost preparationsadded and left to breakdown over two to

three months, states Susan. (Informationon these and other plants in respect towhat they put into the soil,can be obtainedby reading A Biodynamic FarmersHandbook, by Norrie Pearce.)

We always endeavour to use rainwaterwith all of the preparations.

Once ready, we mix them together inthe stirring machine at the rate of 10 to 1.

The liquid manure, with the addition ofthe manure concentrate, areapplied with a four jet boom spray.

With a number of fruit trees onthe farm for their own use, Susanand Greg make it a practice toapply Biodynamic Tree Paste,which is made up with equal partsof cow manure, coarse sand andkaolin clay (potters clay) to thestone fruit trees on an annual basis,and to the citrus trees every secondyear.

After the trees are pruned, theyare rubbed down with a wire brushto remove any loose bark andlichens, holes are cleaned out with apiece of wire and then the tree pasteis applied with a banister brush.

The kaolin clay gives the trees avivid white appearance, which looks greatand also shows up any problems with the tree

best to avoid a rainy day when doing thisactivity.The pastures are managed by dividing

the paddocks into strips, which are dividedinto grazing cells so that the cows do notgraze the same area for a period of 60days. According to Greg, this not onlygives the paddock a spell and a suitabletime for re-growth, it also is a form ofworm control.

After the cattle have grazed thepaddock, any uneaten pasture togetherwith any cow pads that have not beencollected, are mulched with a mulchmower. Liquid manure, together withManure Concentrate, is then applied.

As a result of their biodynamic andgood farming practices over the past 11years, Susan and Greg have been able toachieve a vital and well structured soil thatdrains well after prolonged heavy rain andalso holds moisture and produces goodpasture well into an extended dry time.This provides healthy plants and pasturesfor their animals, which provides healthyand nutritious food while ensuring the soilis improving for the future, and isnt thatwhat farming is all about? s

Information on Pelicans Nest and theireducational farm stays can be obtained atwww.pelicansnest.com.au


Susan & Greg - Pelicans Nest


8/8

HERITAGE SHEEPA group of concerned sheep breeders have come together to preserve the unique genetic qualities of older breeds of

sheep under the banner of Heritage Sheep Australia.

Having seen the rapid fall in numbers of some of the old breeds, this group of sheep enthusiasts formed Heritage Sheep Australia tohonour foundation breeds, which were the basis of the sheep and wool industry in Australia and which played an important role in ourearly agricultural history.

Established in 2002, the aim of the organisation is to protect, promote and secure the future of breeds such as the English Leicester,

Hampshire Down, Lincoln, Cheviot, Southdown, Shropshire, Dorset Horn, Ryeland and the Dorset Down.According to Ian Bucknall,Chairman of Heritage Sheep Australia, the organisation was established to ensure the nine breeds, a mixof wool type breeds and carcase type breeds that played such an important role in the foundation of the sheep and wool industry inAustralia, are preserved.

The organisation differs from the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia in that whilst some of these breeds could aptly be described as rare,some of the Heritage breeds continue to maintain a significant influence in the Australian sheep industry. The major breed doing thisis the Southdown, which continues to enhance many prime lamb breeding operations even though the breed can be traced back to over50 years ago.

Barely 12 month old, Ian says the pleasing aspect of Heritage Sheep Australia was that breeders have come forward to establish newflocks, and to preserve the genetic qualities of these breeds, thus ensuring that many will not fade into obscurity.

A lot of pleasure can be gained from running a flock of one of the Heritage breeds sheep.

A dual purpose British longwool breed,the English Leicester was developed byRobert Bakewell in the late 1700s fromlocal Midland sheep to provide meat, wooland lamp oil for the rapidly growingpopulation post the industrial revolution.

Known as the improved Leicester, theEnglish Leicester influenced all otherbreeds and were ideally suited to crosswith the sheep in the New Colony,Australia, where constitution, wool andbody weight was required.

The English Leicester arrived in

Australian in 1826 and was usedsuccessfully over the local sheep. Theresultant crossbreds inherited the geneticqualities of the Bakewell breed; werehardy and thrived under varying pastoraland climatic conditions.

Crossed with the traditional Merino,the English Leicester and other longwoolbreeds, were the foundations of theAustralasian breeds. They enhancedlength of staple, wool crimp and lustre aswell as increasing body size.

Large numbers of English Leicester

were imported up until the 1930s. After1930 their popularity waned.

Today, with numbers declining, thebreed still has its followers. Rams are usedas crossing sires over the Merino andCorriedale to produce big bodied 1st Xewes, with the Leicester qualities, toproduce heavy prime lambs. Lambingpercentages are high and lambs have agood growth rate.

English Leicesters are large framed,with broad level backlines, strongconstitution and quiet temperament.Ewes are attentive mothers producing a

high ratio of twins, and are good milkers.The wool is unique. It is highly lustrous,

long, with a soft handle and heavy cutting,averaging 34-40 micron.

The stronger line goes to the carpetwool industry while the finer fleeces findmarkets with a variety of craft artist forhand spinning, weaving and felting.Selected fleeces are also used for dollswigs traditional dolls to rag dolls, evensome with dreadlocks!

The young, commercially spun woolsmake strong, lustrous knitting yarns, whichattract a knitters market natural, or hand

dyed in brilliant colours.Currently there are 23 registered flocks

in Australia, primarily in Victoria andTasmania.

There are only approximately 600registered breeding ewes a serioussituation as the genetic pool decreases.

English Leicester wool showing long staple,

and crimp


HERITAGE

SHEEPAUSTRALIASaving the breeds that were the

foundation of our sheep andwool industry

Breeds represented:LINCOLN

ENGLISH LEICESTERCHEVIOT

SOUTHDOWNSHROPSHIRE

DORSET HORNRYELAND

HAMPSHIRE DOWNDORSET DOWN

Enquiries WelcomeJacqueline Carr

82 Highett Street,Richmond. Vic. 3121Ph/Fax: 03 9428 4384

Email: [email protected]

The genetic heritage of these sheep

is to be treasured

ENGLISH LEICESTERThe English Leicester, one of the first of the British breeds to be imported to Australia, is genuinely heritage.

Getting Started in Biodynamic - Applying Preparations

Documents