Upper Midwest CRAFT Field Day: Fall Biodynamic Prep

Date/Time
Tuesday, October 15
1:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Location
Zinniker Family Farm

Zinniker Family Farm was established in 1943 and is the longest-running Biodynamic farm in the United States. Attendees will tour the farm, fill and stuff the Biodynamic preparations, and then bury them. In addition, we will do some hands-on prep applications including adding the compost preps to a compost pile and doing a stirring/spraying of a prep. There will be a potluck supper and bonfire at the farm. Bring a dish to share. This is an Open House for Upper Midwest CRAFT members, those interested in joining, or those interested attending this field day. FREE – No RSVP necessary!

Zinniker family farm has been organic from the very beginning, and was certified organic in 2000 through Oregon Tilth. Throughout the farm’s history, the Zinnikers have focused on improving soil health and fertility through the use of manure, compost, a balanced animal/land ratio, and the use of Biodynamic methods. In 2011 they started transitioning the farm from a dairy focus to a beef operation and started using grazing principles that are in line with the Holistic grazing management approach. They raise livestock in a way that promotes health and prevents disease, and vets in their area compliment them on outstanding animal health.

Most of their land is used to grow pasture and hay, but a few acres are planted in corn, oats, barley, peas, and wheat to sustain the poultry and pigs. Their land enjoys a wide biodiversity of clovers, grasses, dandelions and specialty herbs, some of which the grazing animals eat directly and some that supply the organic plant material for our biodynamic preparations.

**NOTE: Park along the road with the vehicles all the way off the road.