What Is Biodynamic Farming? Michigan's Only Example Is Right Near Ann Arbor
June 19, 2026
You’ve probably heard of organic farming. But biodynamic farming is a step beyond — and one of the only farms in Michigan practicing it continuously has been doing so just outside Ann Arbor for nearly four decades.
What Is Biodynamic Farming?
Biodynamic agriculture treats the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It was developed in the 1920s by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner and goes further than organic certification in several ways:
- No external inputs. Biodynamic farms aim to produce all their own fertility on-site — through composting, animal manures, and cover crops — rather than purchasing organic-approved fertilizers.
- Biodiversity is required. A biodynamic farm must include animals, multiple crops, and wild areas. It can’t be a monoculture.
- Planting calendars. Farmers follow astronomical planting calendars, planting and harvesting in sync with lunar and astrological cycles.
- Certification. The Demeter certification is the biodynamic equivalent of the USDA organic seal.
The result tends to be deeply healthy soil, exceptional produce quality, and a farm that builds fertility over time rather than depleting it.
Community Farm of Ann Arbor
Community Farm of Ann Arbor on S Fletcher Road in Chelsea is Michigan’s first CSA (established 1988) and one of the few farms in the state continuously practicing biodynamic methods.
The farm checks every biodynamic box:
- Raises cows, goats, and sheep (animal integration)
- Keeps bees (pollination and honey)
- Grows heirloom vegetables, fruit trees (peach, apple, pear, paw-paw), and herbs
- Operates on preserved land with two Civil War-era barns
- Runs workshops on beekeeping, food preservation, and soil health
Membership is sliding scale — you pay what you can afford within a range — and includes not just your weekly produce but access to the farm itself, free workshops, and on-farm participation days. Members aren’t customers; they’re part of the farm community.
Biodynamic vs. Organic: What’s the Difference?
| Organic | Biodynamic | |
|---|---|---|
| External inputs | Allowed (if certified organic) | Discouraged — make your own |
| Animals required | No | Yes |
| Lunar planting | Optional | Standard practice |
| Certification | USDA Organic | Demeter (plus usually organic) |
| Soil focus | Avoid synthetic chemicals | Build living soil actively |
Biodynamic isn’t necessarily “better” — but it represents a more holistic, closed-loop approach to farming. If soil health and ecological farming philosophy matter to you, it’s worth knowing which farms in your area practice it.
How to Support Biodynamic Agriculture Locally
The most direct way is to join the Community Farm of Ann Arbor’s CSA. You can also attend one of their public workshops or volunteer days — check their website at communityfarmofannarbor.com for the current season’s events and Member Commitment Form.
Explore more sustainable farms across Washtenaw County in the A2 Farm Finder directory.