Living Web Farms to Host Jeff Poppen for a Two-day Immersion in Biodynamic Agriculture

JULY 9-10, 2016 at Living Web Farms, 176 Kimzey Road in Mills River NC: Biodynamic Weekend Intensive. Jeff Poppen is a farmer in Tennessee known as “The Barefoot Farmer.” For thirty years he has cultivated land according to his study and practice of Dr. Rudoplh Steiner’s Agriculture, a book compiling lectures the Austrian doctor and philosopher gave to a group of farmers in 1924.

These lectures, and the principles for farming that they present inform an approach to agriculture called Biodynamics. “Dr. Steiner’s agricultural lectures have provided me with entertainment, education and success in farming,” Poppen shares. “I get more out of the course every time I read it. I also work to inspire an interest in others, to look deeper into how people grew plants and animals before the advent of industrial agriculture.”

Jeff Poppen "the Barefoot Farmer"

In a continuation of an earlier visit by Poppen to the Asheville Organic Growers School in March, The Barefoot Farmer returns July 9th and 10th to Living Web Farms, for a two-day immersion in biodynamic education. The first day of the event will focus on Poppen’s experience on his farm, incorporating biodynamic practices such as planting by the signs, and making herbal sprays or preparations, in addition to holistic soil building. The second day will enrich perspectives on the synergy between the more sublime, or spiritual undertones of biodynamics, and the practical applications and experiences of several growers, as local farmers join Poppen for the day.

Craig Siska (Black Mountain Community Garden) has been practicing biodynamic French-intensive gardening since the 1970’s, and studied under the likes of famed horticulturalist Alan Chadwick. Amy Hamilton (Appalachian Seeds Farm and Nursery) is a university trained scientist as well as a seasoned local farmer, who has synthesized years of practice and study to inform her interpretations of Steiner’s lectures. “We are hoping that people will find a less fundamentalist view of biodynamics thriving in the gardens and farms of some very talented growers, and that the perspectives shared over the weekend will foster an approachable view on holistic farming, no matter what you call it” says Living Web Farms’ Education and Outreach Coordinator, Meredith Leigh.

Registration for the weekend is by donation, and is a suggested $30 for full attendance, or $20 per day. Visit livingwebfarms.org to sign up.

Biodynamic agriculture is an approach to growing food and fiber that looks at the farm as a unique, individual living system. Using principles outlined in Rudolph Steiner’s Agriculture lectures in 1924, biodynamic farmers share many practices of sustainability found in organic agriculture. However, since its origination, biodynamics has remained less understood than many other approaches to organic growing, while demand for biodynamic products is steadily increasing. On July 9th-10th, 2016, Living Web Farms will host The Barefoot Farmer, Jeff Poppen, along with local biodynamic growers for a two- day workshop, to make biodynamics more approachable for area farmers and gardeners.


Living Web Farms is an education and research organic farm located in Mills River, NC. With over 35 acres, four greenhouses, alternative energy innovation, pastured livestock, forest crops, and diverse vegetable production, Living Web is the leading demonstration site for effective organic farming in western NC. Living Web conducts year-round education in farming, homesteading, cooking, and sustainable living. All education conducted at the farm is archived online in a free video library, and all food produced at the farm is donated to charity, via seven North Carolina food banks.