492: Is Harmony With Nature A Sustainable Farming Philosophy? with Molly Chester
Sep 16, 2024
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Molly Chester, co-founder of Apricot Lane Farms, shares her insights on sustainable farming. She discusses the harmonious philosophy guiding their practices, revealing the plethora of over 250 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Molly reflects on the documentary's impact and how their farming journey has shaped her family, particularly her son. The conversation touches on the challenges of scaling up while maintaining their original goals and what the future holds for their thriving farm. Tune in for a deep dive into the joys and complexities of farm life!
Molly Chester emphasizes that biodynamic farming fosters nutrient-dense food production by treating the farm as a self-sufficient ecosystem.
The upbringing of her son on the farm has cultivated a profound appreciation for nature, highlighting the importance of experiencing rural life.
Deep dives
Biodynamic Farming Philosophy
Biodynamic farming is described as a holistic approach that treats the farm as an ecosystem, emphasizing self-sufficiency and harmony with nature. This philosophy involves managing fertility and solving problems from within the farm while also considering cosmic rhythms, such as lunar cycles, which can influence plant health and moisture. According to Molly Chester, this method allows for more nutrient-dense food production by maximizing the life force present in crops. The biodynamic calendar, which takes the positioning of planets into account, further guides agricultural practices, making it a deeply interconnected system that respects natural patterns.
Nutritional Superiority of Biodynamic Food
The nutritional differences between produce from biodynamic farms versus conventional organic sources are highlighted, suggesting that biodynamic farming often results in higher nutrient density. Molly Chester asserts that while organic produce may be chemically sound, it doesn't always translate to better nutrition compared to biodynamic methods that prioritize life force and energy in food. Personal experiences illustrate that eggs and vegetables from her farm have superior nutrient profiles, emphasizing taste and energy after consumption. This tangible difference in flavor and health benefits encourages a shift towards farming practices that preserve natural ecosystems and prioritize quality over quantity.
Experiencing Life on the Farm
Molly Chester discusses how her son, raised on the farm, has developed a thoughtful connection to the natural world, appreciating both its beauty and challenges. This upbringing has provided him with a unique perspective on life, allowing him to witness the cycles of birth and loss among animals, which fosters a deep understanding of nature. Experiences like initiating a picnic in the orchard highlight the joys of farm life, while interactions with urban environments can be a stark contrast for him. The Chesters emphasize the richness of living close to the land and how it strengthens ties to family, community, and sustainability.
Molly and John Chester set up Apricot Lane Farms (known as the Biggest Little Farm) with the intention of working in harmony with nature, while maximizing nutrients and flavor. Have they been successful? What has changed since the documentary came out five years ago featuring their farm? How has the farm grown and is it living up to its original goals?
Molly Chester answers all of the questions above today, sharing insights on the biodynamic and harmonious philosophy behind their farm (that now has over 250 varieties of fruits and vegetables growing on the property)! She talks about how it has shaped her son...and her own life. She also answers the question about whether the biggest little farm is possibly too big now! Plus, Molly shares what's next for their biggest little farm.