In Camphill Village we practice sustainable agriculture through biodynamic and organic methods to help bring healing to the earth.
In common with organic methods, biodynamics avoids the use of pesticides, chemicals or hormones and uses such techniques as crop rotation and green manuring. In addition, biodynamics actively seeks to restore vitality to the soil through the use of special compost preparations and timing of sowing and harvesting to planetary rhythms.
The principles and practice of biodynamic agriculture recognize the earth as a living organism in which each farm has its own identity. A biodynamic farm works towards the ideal of becoming a self-sustaining organism, with a balance of plants and animals, of pasture, woodlands and tilled fields. These elements work together to nourish and build the soil. Compost is made and nutrients circulate. Wildlife and native landscape are essential elements. All these together build up a farm with individuality and character, a place with a special atmosphere and quality.
Incorporated as a prominent, essential part of Village life, biodynamic agriculture has become more than a method of farming. It has provided a pathway of service to care for and heal the earth.
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The Farm
The Camphill Village farm provides a healing landscape and therapeutic work. The rhythm of work, the cycles of the seasons, the care and attention given the plants and animals, the daily encounter with the wisdom and beauty of nature—all these are healing for body, soul and spirit.
Villagers who have worked on the farm crew for many years have become responsible, dependable farmers. They are proud to consider farming their vocation, and they enjoy a well-deserved special status within the Village.
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Vegetable Gardens
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Turtle Tree Seed
The mission of Turtle Tree Seed is to preserve genetic diversity in vegetable, herb, grain and flower seeds by growing and distributing biodynamic seed to customers through catalog sales. The seed is grown in Turtle Tree Seed’s gardens in Camphill Village and by 35 other biodynamic growers in the U.S. and Europe. During the winter months a crew of 6 to 8 villagers, co-workers and volunteers from the surrounding community sorts, dries and stores the seed, and then fills orders. You can visit the Turtle Tree Seed website at www.turtletreeseed.com.
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The Healing Plant
The mission of The Healing Plant is to bring people and plants closer together. It is a two-acre herb garden and a year-round workshop that provides high quality biodynamically-grown medicinal and culinary herbs and herbal products (teas, ointments, seasonings) to Camphill Village and local customers.
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Estate
The estate crew works year round keeping the grounds of the Village safe and beautiful. They mow grass, rake leaves, plow snow, weed flower gardens, trim hedges, prune trees—whatever needs care and tending!
Late every winter we tap 700 maple trees, collect sap for processing in the sugar house and produce maple syrup for the Village and for sale in the Gift Shop.
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