It's All in
a Name
We had wanted to move out of the city to a more rural area for as
long as we can remember. The city was great. It had served our needs well. Still, something else beckoned...
The search for a new place lasted a while. Initially, this was only a place that lived within my
own heart and mind. This was connected to a dream that began when I was in my early '20's to start
a retreat center. I guess the essence of the dream lived on without my being conscious of it.
I
didn't know where we were supposed to land. I just knew that, whatever this center-to-be was to look like, I
had already lovingly dubbed it 'Michaelmas Farm' in my mind's eye. It was so named after the
Archangel Michael, whose presence I have always felt deeply since childhood for reasons that I could never logically phathom.
Now I know that Michael serves humanity by calling us to dig down deep and summon the courage to face our own
demons, as well as the demons of our modern age, particularly materialism, greed, egoism, and darkness
of heart.
Our family spent about 2 years actively searching for a new place to call home. We almost gave
up many times over. I was beginning to think maybe this was all in my heart and mind, but was not meant to manifest,
physically. What was calling us?
Then in July 2006, we came here to this little farm in Ashby. We
continued to travel to other towns and visit other farms, but always seemed to come back here. It reminds me of the Shaker
song, 'by turning, turning, we come 'round right'. Apparently, sometimes you just have to turn a lot
first.
And so we packed our bags and moved here to Ashby. As fate would have it, our closing date was Sept.
29th: the feast of St. Michael, or Michaelmas.
I am still savoring the synchronicity of that one.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring? I certainly don't. While we certainly all find ourselves living during
some very challenging times, economically and otherwise, I consider this all the more reason to strive to stay firmly
rooted in a vision that may carry us forth.
The work of Michaelmas Farm is primarily inspired
by Rudolf Steiner, whose insights reflect a need for cultural renewal which speaks to the divine nature
in us all. Our planet is in great need of healing. So are we. The challenges of our modern age are great. A
deep inner transformation must take place now. We must take up our rightful place as genuine stewards. Fostering
a more intimate connection with the natural and supersensible worlds will help us in this direction, as will taking steps
in agriculture to heal the Earth. Engaging in artwork as a pathway to inner development is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Children also need our help. What will be your task?
In the Michael-ic spirit of courage and service, let
us all go forth to address what is truly needed at this point in human history: to be the change that the 21st century
is calling for. May we serve through our actions and thoughts, imbued with wisdom. May we be bold dragon-slayers
of the day.
Our Vision
Michaelmas
Farm is the 'mother initiative' and agricultural impulse.
Activities will unfold in developmental
phases, and include:
- agricultural methods
and practices of Biodynamic Farming
- greenhouse and seedling operation
- education (farm-related and other complementary programs)
-
community-based activities (open house, films, open visit/work days)
- development of an on-site library & resource center
-
retail (farm-based products and quality craftwork)
In addition, other impulses will generate art
and renewal-based programs, including:
- retreat work and meditation groups
- study groups
- annual learning conference
- festival work (seasonal celebrations)
- workshops related to creative
and domestic arts
Our Property
Michaelmas Farm sits on just 2+ acres of land, surrounded by woods and a handful of neighbors, as well as a very walkable
one-mile conservation trail that intertwines with Willard Brook. While considering purchasing much more land
initially, in the end we decided that our primary goal was to learn how to be good stewards of the land first and
foremost, no matter the physical size. Our motto is 'to always strive to do what we can with what
we have'.
And what we have has blessed us with an extremely fortunate and inspiring potential!
Our farm consists of gardens for produce, herbs, and flowers, as well as fruit trees (apple, peach, and pear), for our own
use and for programs here. Since 2006, we have been striving to re-work the entire property, little
by little. I often think of it as one big art project. Our job is to paint little pockets of inspiration
here and there, as we go along.
In addition to gardens, Michaelmas Farm maintains an educational center
that consists of 525 sf of open space for classes and workshops, plus another 330 sf of space that includes
an office and a kitchen area. In the spirit of rustic living, there is a portable toilet system just outside the
door. The center is used seasonally, with space heaters inside to make it cozy in the fall through mid-December, when we close
the center until spring.
The center is attached to a two-stall barn, which is currently home to four
Nigerian Dwarf goats (three doelings, and one wether, or neutered male). In addition to goats, we also
maintain poultry, and Himalayan rabbits.
In winter 2010, we will be breeding our 3 doelings, with
an anticipated kidding date of later summer. We intend to add to our current flock of layer poultry, and may also
add broilers and/or turkeys to the mix. Other considerations for 2010 and beyond: piglets, a vermicomposting initiative,
a hoop greenhouse, and an apiary.
In addition to the center and barn, we also have a potting
shed/greenhouse, and a large barn that currently stores hay for the winter, as well as provides shelter from the storm
for vehicles.
Our general direction with agriculture is Biodynamics. I first encountered Biodynamics
in 2004 when I had the good fortune to learn some of the general indications from Foundation Studies sessions
with Trauger Groh, a long-time Biodynamic farmer from Germany, co-author of Farms of Tomorrow Revisited,
and one of the founders of Temple-Wilton Community Farm in Wilton, NH.
After flying by the seat of my proverbial pants with the methods for a while, and
especially after moving here to Michaelmas Farm and wanting to move in a strong direction with Biodynamics, a new approach seemed in
order. It was definitely time to get more down and dirty.
Presently, I am enrolled in the Practical
Training in Biodynamics program through The Pfeiffer Center at Threefold Community in Chestnut Ridge, NY. The center is where Biodynamics originated in the U.S.
with the pivotal work of Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, who studied with and learned directly from Rudolf Steiner for many years before bringing Biodynamics to the U.S. Here
the good fortune continues, as I am learning primarily from Mac Mead, the Director of The Pfeiffer Center,
as well as other gifted teachers with this program. Mac has been a Biodynamic farmer for 30+ years, and first
learned the methods from those who studied and learned directly from Ehrenfried Pfeiffer.
We look
forward to meeting you and your family here soon!
Warmly,
Brenda Armstrong
Director, Michaelmas Farm
Michaelmas Farm is a proud member of:
The Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association
The Northeast Organic Farming Association (Mass. chapter)
The Weston A. Price Foundation
We are currently
revising this page. Please check back soon!
Copyright © 2008-2010 Michaelmas Farm
