The term ‘Biodynamic farming’ does conjure up images of hippies, lack of showers or even a whole lot of waffle, but as Paul and Virginia Kurtz have proven on their 1000 acre Biodynamic property near Oberon, they are just like any other farmer.
Paul and Virginia have achieved a great deal on their Biodynamic property and wish to provide more information to the Oberon district about the growing popularity and appeal of Biodynamic farming.
Paul and Virginia have been Biodynamic farmers for nearly 20 years. Virginia said the main reason they started Biodynamics was her hesitancy to use chemicals and medicines when it came to her children’s’ health, and from there they began to explore the possibility of halting all use of chemicals on their property.
“I could see no future in putting chemicals on our soil- it was not sustainable”, said Virginia.
“Biodynamic farming is, in a nutshell, a farming method that does not use any chemicals, such as drenches, herbicides and so on, as well as using Biodynamic practices, such as spreading Biodynamic preparations on your property”, said Paul.
The Kurtz’s took a ‘cold turkey’ approach to eliminating chemical use on their property. It was a hard process but becoming Biodynamic Demeter accredited was a great and worthwhile achievement. The Kurtz’s produce prime lamb, beef and also have 400 hens, all of which are Demeter accredited.
“It is really hard work, but it is fulfilling. As the founder of the Biodynamic Association in Australia, Alex Podolinsky said at this year’s Biodynamic Annual General Meeting ‘To be a Biodynamic farmer, you have to have the courage not to be conventional’”, said Virginia.
In recent years, demand for Biodynamic produce has sky-rocketed, particularly by markets that are more health conscious and wish to buy produce that is chemical-free.
“Biodynamic farming is now a more mainstream form of agriculture, and people and markets are sourcing it from wherever they can. They can’t get enough of it”, said Virginia.
“Due to Biodynamic practices, the produce is better quality and a lot sweeter. In maintaining a Biodynamic property, you have healthy soils, healthy animals and plants, and therefore healthy humans” said Paul.
Paul and Virginia’s produce is in high demand. They sell their lamb, beef and eggs to TJ’s Quality Meats in Balmain, who won the award for Best Organic Butcher in Sydney. The Kurtz family also supply meat to the Fairmont and Carrington Hotels and Jenolan Caves for functions, and were sought out personally by the celebrity chef Kylie Kwong for their eggs and meat, to whom they supply weekly to the famous Billy Kwong Restaurant.
Paul and Virginia wish to host a Field Day in July at their property to inform anyone who is interested about what Biodynamic farming involves, its differences to organic farming, and to answer any questions about the method.
The Field Day will be a very casual, non-profit event which will include an information afternoon, with demonstrations and speakers.
“We just wanted to supply information to anyone who is interested, and show how it is done. We always wanted to leave our soils in a much healthier condition than we found them, and produce high quality meat and eggs, and we want to show others how they can do the same”, said Virginia.
Anyone who is interested in attending a Field Day in July can contact Paul and Virginia Kurtz on (02) 63365127.
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