Jeff Poppen
Jeff Poppen
Jeff Poppen, “The Barefoot Farmer,” owns and operates Long Hungry Creek Farm in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee. Jeff began farming as a teenager and has been in the field for over fifty years. His approach to farming emphasizes the importance of soil health, viewing it as the primary crop, with vegetables being a by-product of cultivating good soil. The farm is a 320-acre farm that produces vegetables on 8 acres, hay, and cattle on 40 acres, with the rest being in forest. He utilizes Biodynamic principle throughout the farm.
In addition to his farming endeavors, Jeff Poppen is an educator and advocate for biodynamic agriculture. He shares his knowledge with farmers, interns and as a speaker at events locally and nationally. As a speaker, Jeff is know for his deep knowledge of tradition and Biodynamic farming Techniques, his approachability and his good sense of humor. He has contributed to the establishment of several farms in middle Tennessee and is recognized for his holistic view of farming, which integrates spiritual and ecological insights.
Jeff is also an author. He has written a gardening column in a local paper for over 20 years, as well as a number of books. He published two books in 2024, “Barefoot Biodynamics” and “Agriculture Abridged: Rudolf Steiner’s 1924 Course”
Jeff’s Workshop
Pasture Walk
In this pasture walk Greg Brann’s extensive experience and knowledge of grass species and insights into ruminant grazing will be augmented by a few other experienced grazers. Eric Smith from Bugtussle Farm, Kelsey Keener from Sequatchie Cove Farm, and Jeff Poppen from the Long Hungry Creek Farm plan to share their practices.
Reading of the Agriculture Course
As part of a long tradition at the Southeast Biodynamic Association fall conference, we will read something from Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course. This is usually a lively discussion with excellent contributions from the more knowledgeable members of the group, lending insight from Steiner’s medical, educational, and general anthroposphical work to fill in the information in the Agriculture Course. Someone will read aloud, and the rest will follow along. Bring a copy of the Agriculture Course if you have one.