Farmers are ever more aware that growing begins with good soil, but efficient, effective weed management is still an essential challenge for organic growers. Over 35 years in biodynamic farming, Ana and Jos used plant husbandry, animal rotation, composting and shallow cultivation to succeed. Over time they developed their use of shallow tillage tools to build up organic matter, reduce weeds and labor and lead to happier, healthier soils and people. In this workshop they will compare critical differences in early mechanization with innovations over the last 15 years, helping you find and use the right tools for agriculture that respects the earth.
Presenters:
Ana Pelgröm (she/her), A fourth generation olive oil farmer and passionate vegetable gardener, Ana began farming organically in Greece in 1998. Though she stopped farming in 2016 to co-found Man@Machine, farming and farmers continue to be a part of her life.
Jos Pelgröm (he/him) is a pioneer organic farmer from the northeast Polder in the Netherlands, growing since 1978. He served as Director of School Warmonderhof, Demeter International and Loverendale Farm, the oldest biodynamic farm in the Netherlands before founding Man@Machine with his wife Ana.
This workshop recording comes from the 2022 Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts chapter (NOFA/Mass) Winter Conference.
Visit nofamass.org to learn more and become a member.