The Barefoot Farmer

Gardening that joins forces with nature
25th September 2024
Obituary for Marina O’Connell, biodynamic teacher, farmer and gardener
26th September 2024
Gardening that joins forces with nature
25th September 2024
Obituary for Marina O’Connell, biodynamic teacher, farmer and gardener
26th September 2024

Fresh out of the psychedelic sixties, Jeff Poppen began farming in rural Tennessee in 1972 and has been there ever since. At Long Hungry Creek Farm, he and his farm partners tend about six acres of biodynamic vegetable crops, which they sell to wholesale buyers and to restaurants, and tend a herd of about 35 cattle.

Jeff is the author of The Best of the Barefoot Farmer and The Best of the Barefoot Farmer II. In addition to his books, Jeff has produced TV shows (some episodes available on the Barefoot Farmer YouTube Channel), written newspaper columns, and lectured at garden clubs and organic conferences for over three decades.

Jeff’s farm is the site of the annual Southeast Biodynamic Conference as well as other seasonal farm festivals. He has also mentored other farms and helped with school gardening programs in the Nashville area.

About the Barefoot Farmer Book  – How cows, compost & community help us understand Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course £18.99  Available from the BDA Webshop here

In Barefoot Biodynamics, organic grower Jeff Poppen—“The Barefoot Farmer”—combines tales from his personal history in rural Tennessee with the practical applications of biodynamic principles and the deep aspects of the biodynamic methods that continue to make his farm a success today.

Jeff’s friendly, direct, and humorous writing will appeal not only to the biodynamic-curious, but also to farmers and gardeners who have experimented with the biodynamic approach and are looking for a deeper understanding of the practice.

Rooted in the teachings of biodynamic pioneer Rudolf Steiner, Jeff’s unique insights and deep reflections on “guiding lines” of biodynamic growing are an invaluable resource. Those “guiding lines” include:

·         producing a farm’s fertility using cover crops, compost, and other on-farm inputs
·         enjoying the renewing power of farm festivals
·         augmenting scientific knowledge with the power of observation and intuition
·        understanding that carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen make up 95 percent of the physical structure of plants and are freely available in the air around us
·         enhancing the availability of critical minerals such as silica and lime through good farming practices
·         building humus-rich soil teeming with microbial life
·         using homeopathic preparations to heal and enrich the soil

In addition, Jeff walks the reader through the eight lectures on farming given by Steiner in 1924, summarizing important points from each lecture and “translating” them from Steiner’s profound yet sometimes impenetrable vocabulary into plain language. In Barefoot Biodynamics, Jeff provides new insight into these enigmatic lectures, revealing an often overlooked yet cost-effective farming method rooted in common sense.

Exclusive Webinar with ‘ The Barefoot Biodynamic Farmer’ Jeff Poppen from the U.S.A, 27th of November 2024 – 7.30pm (GMT) 3:30 EDT
Join us for a special online event featuring Jeff Poppen, a legendary figure in the biodynamic farming movement, as we celebrate his new book that has come out during  our Biodynamic Centenary in 2024. This intimate discussion will offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with Jeff, followed by an interactive question and answer session. Not to be missed for the latest on the practice of biodynamic .With decades of knowledge and proven, common-sense methods from “The Barefoot Farmer,” this practical guide to biodynamic principles and practices will appeal to growers of every scale and experience level. 
Webinar  Highlights:  Join us from where – ever you are in the world!   We will also record this webinar so you can watch it afterwards at a more suitable time. PLUS
  • In-Depth Discussion: Explore the principles of Barefoot Biodynamics and its impact on health and wellbeing.
  • Q&A Session: Participants will have the chance to ask Jeff their burning questions.
  • This is a by donation event, allowing everyone to participate regardless of their financial situation, with your generous support.
  • All participants will receive a 30% discount off the RRP of the Barefoor Farmer Book