In the small town of Juchowo near Szczecinek, there is one of the most innovative biodynamic farms in Poland. Juchowo Farm, run by the Foundation. Stanisław Karłowski, covers 1.9 thousand. ha, where, among others, spelled wheat, rye, winter barley, oats, corn and permanent grassland. It combines tradition with modernity, focusing on ecological production, environmental protection and professional activation of people with disabilities.
Foundation Stanisław Karłowski, whose patron was a senator in the interwar period and a pioneer of biodynamic agriculture in Poland, is based in Juchów. It is here, on the site of a former estate, that the Rural Project is being implemented, based on the activities of the Juchowo Farm.
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She found the former state farm in poor condition. She was helped by specialists from the Netherlands and Germany
The daughter of the last owners of the farm, Chrysta Denning, left Juchowo as a 9-year-old girl. In 1998, she returned to her hometown to see the place of her childhood.
“She saw a farm where a state farm had previously operated. […] With destroyed buildings covered with asbestos, with cattle in poor condition,” reports Renata Żelazna from the management board of the St. Karłowski Foundation in an interview with Tygodnik Poradnik Rolniczy. Chrysta decided to get involved in the revitalization of this place. She started looking for support.
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She turned to an expert from Germany for help. He couldn't support her financially, but he contacted her with a German foundation that supports biodynamic agriculture, disabled people and anthroposophical medicine.
In 2001, the land and buildings were purchased, and the revitalization process lasted two decades. The Foundation donated significant funds, but the reconstruction progressed gradually, thanks to the consistent work and commitment of an international team including the Dutch, Germans and Poles. Biodynamic agriculture was still in its infancy in Poland, so the project in Juchów was pioneering.
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Innovative solutions on the farm in Juchów
After taking over the farm, problems with excess water appeared, so over the course of twenty years, 20 small retention reservoirs were created, using natural basins and hilly terrain. Additionally, 7 km of tree avenues were planted. In recent years, when droughts have become more frequent, the retention system helps limit their effects.
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As we read in the Weekly Poradnik Rolnicze, Juchowo Farm maintains a large herd of dairy cattle, 680 animals, which requires extensive permanent grassland, also on arable land. The cows are fed mainly with hay, and in winter corn silage is included in the diet.
Renata Żelazna emphasizes that from April to October the so-called hay milk, and cows have access to pastures. Animals are bred there with longevity in mind, which results in lower productivity than on conventional farms, but a longer period of milk production. Each cow produces 5-6 thousand per year. l of milk.
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Organic agricultural production is the foundation for the Foundation's broad activities. The Vocational Activity Department employs 150 people, 50 of whom have a disability certificate.
One of the main goals of the Foundation is nature conservation and ecological education of young people. Products manufactured in Juchów go to the market in a processed form, and educational projects and ecological workshops are as important as trade. The Foundation is guided by the principle of respect for people, animals and the earth, and its activities focus on restoring soil fertility, animal welfare and public education, not on maximizing profits.
