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A biodynamic class connects the life of a dairy cow with questions of soil and pasture health, followed by time at Threefold Community Farm’s herd, barn and dairy.
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
A dairy herd is part of a larger farming system in Threefold Community Farm’s approach to biodynamics. Animals and the Farm Organism looks at that relationship through discussion of animal life and herd management, with a visit to the farm’s cows and dairy facilities.
The class starts from a biodynamic ideal of a self-contained farm in which animals have a significant role. Mac Mead and Megan Durney will discuss the nature of animals in that context; Kim Vaughan will introduce dairy herd management, including the rhythms of a cow’s life and the relationship of healthy soil to pasture and animal health.
The visit to the herd, cow barn and dairy gives those subjects a setting beyond the classroom. Threefold describes its dairy as the only one in Rockland County. The organizers do not specify the order of the visit or announce a hands-on animal-care activity.
Further reading: Animals and the Farm Organism | NOFA Vermont ↗ · Animals and the Farm Organism - Threefold Community Farm ↗
The three speakers work in different areas of the farm. Mead mentors staff and interns and is the core instructor of the Pfeiffer Center’s Biodynamic Course. Durney coordinates daily farm work, including vegetable production and seed saving.
Vaughan was a founding farmer and dairy manager at Threefold in 2018. Now the farm administrator, she still milks the herd weekly, bringing an ongoing connection to the animals to her discussion of dairy management.
Further reading: Animals and the Farm Organism - Threefold Community Farm ↗ · Our People - Threefold Community Farm ↗
The day combines instruction with a farm visit; times for individual activities have not been announced.
The class costs $125; the farm’s event page is the registration destination. Review the workshop cancellation terms before booking.
Animals and the Farm Organism - Threefold Community Farm ↗ · Terms & Conditions - Threefold Community Farm ↗
Meal arrangements and accessibility for the venue and farm visit are not specified. If either affects your plans, contact the farm at [email protected].
The event is listed for the Side Room at Threefold Auditorium, 260 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977. This differs from the farm’s general workshop address; use the event destination rather than the farm store or Main House.
The event’s map link can calculate directions from your starting point. Contact the farm for event-specific parking, entrance or accessibility details.
Animals and the Farm Organism - Threefold Community Farm ↗ · Getting Here - Threefold Community Farm ↗
The class covers the basics of biodynamic dairy herd management, but the organizer does not state prerequisites. Ask the farm if you need more detail about the expected level.
At least two weeks before a workshop, the farm offers a refund less a $10 administrative fee or full credit. Cancellations received up to one week before receive full credit; there are no refunds for cancellations less than one week ahead. Credit must be used within one year of the original workshop.
A visit to the herd, cow barn and dairy is included, but the organizer does not specify hands-on animal-care activities.
260 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-29 against the linked sources.