Biodynamic Composting
Rand Carter
Curious about compost? A simple pile of discarded refuse does not make compost. Real compost transforms into humus. Trash piles hardly ever make this important conversion. Humus is the magic in soil. It turns sand into soil, breaks up the clods in clay and most importantly provides a home for the soil food web. Composting is an art and a science: you express knowledge as you acquire knowledge. This year the 2022 Mountain Run Jam Merry Prepstirs will experience a true community event while we build a 4’x4’x4’ biodynamic compost pile. We will be immersed in the agriculture science of the carbon to nitrogen ratio and wallow in the art of mixing table scraps, farm scrapping, ground-up leaves and of course the main ingredient, cow poop. Rand has promised to reduce the yuck factor as much as possible. Throughout the duration of the three day event we will all add to our pile, experience the lasagna layering process, incorporate those mysterious Biodynamic Preparations and put our baby to bed for the winter.
Bio:
Rand Carter was born during the era post Victory Gardens and had his first contact with composting in the 60’s. A few years ago Rand spent a year traveling throughout the US attending Biodynamic courses and working at any BD farms that where work was available. He had the opportunity to meet and continue studying with some of the best practitioners of our time. He is a graduate of Elaine Ingram’s Biological Regenerative Agriculture course and the
University of Florida’s Mycorrhizae course. He presented at the Florida Organic Growers Conference, and hosted his interactive composting course at the Biodynamic Practicum in Woolwine, VA.
More Workshops
Exploration of Birds and Soundscapes at Mountain Run Farm
Join Laura Henry-Stone, associate professor of environmental science, to explore the morning sounds of Mountain Run Farm. This will be a basic...
Establishing Plant Relations
This experiential class teaches simple methods for developing intimate relationships with the plants around us. We employ techniques such as wide...
Fermented Vegetables
Fermentation is one of the oldest food processing methods still used today. Scientifically known as zymology, it is the conversion of carbohydrates...
Designing & Establishing a Food Forest
In this hands-on workshop we'll learn how to plan and implement a food forest guild from start to finish. Guilds are a mutually beneficial perennial...
Fermented Herbal Sodas
Brace yourselves for these fizzy, buzzy, sodas. While there are more choices on the market now for sparkly fermented beverages made with healthier...
Heal Your Community Through Functional Medicine Farming
Now more than ever, farmers need to help their community take back their health. In this workshop, Ashley will guide you through the business model...
Bridging the Gap Between Consumers and Farmers
The back-to-the-land movement has continued to gain much ground in recent years, and with it the desire to purchase food directly from a farmer. But...
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TIMING & THE SEASONALITY OF PLANT MEDICINE
Each season, the plants express themselves differently, and their expression reflects specific energetic functions. Autumn and winter bring us in...
Understanding The Honeybees
The honeybee crisis calls upon us human beings to act differently and think differently. In this workshop we will begin to form a relationship...
The Human Holobiont and Regenerative Health
In this workshop you will learn updated concepts on our understanding of the microbiome, the human holobiont, Nature as the benchmark, and top ways...
The Blessed Breath
Between environmental threats such as climate crisis consequences and the Covid pandemic, to personal and societal stresses and traumas, the...
Wood Fired Pottery
Experience the process of wood firing in its simplest way. We will harvest clay straight from the Earth and add some Water. A magical, flexible...
Introduction to Natural Dyeing
Learn all the basics to begin your natural dye journey! This rewarding process will help you unlock the hues of your favorite plants. In this...
Natural Indigo + Resist Dyeing
Explore the magic of indigo~ nature's only natural blue. Together we will learn about the history of indigo through the ages, talk about dye tips +...
Urban Farm Start-Up
This workshop will tell the story of what drove Cam to start farming at age 30. Growing food in backyards and community gardens presents both...
RE-INSPIRING THE NEW AGRARIAN REVIVAL
Since the Industrial Revolution we have modeled our lives and society on the paradigm of the machine. Now as that revolution gives way to a digital,...