In this workshop we will discuss the origins of the biodynamic preparations and the almost 100 years of their development. We will present a timeline of the lineages of makers and groups, mostly within the US and other parts of the world, right down to ourselves, Larry Maybe of Grace, Love and Biodynamics, (former long time preparation keeper at the Josephine Porter Institute) and Marjory House, preparation keeper for the Oregon biodynamic group. We will discuss current methods of preparation making. Through photographs we will show the preparation making processes from raw materials to finished product along with important storage methods. This will not be a hands on workshop, however we will have various examples of finished preparations for folks to observe, touch and smell. Highlighted will be the fact that the preparations are not magic dust or a quick fix pill for farming or gardening, but rather they are a part of the whole working farm organism along with plants, animals, insects and the farmer. Together this whole farm organism is ideally a closed loop fertility system that sets biodynamics apart from other farming methods, with the biodynamic preparations as the keys to unlocking nutrient availability for increased nutrition, that not only feeds the farmer but the animals and the soil. We will touch on other farming methods that use similar ‘preparations’ such as Korean natural farming with Bokashi, and the uses of willow, comfrey, nettle and compost teas. How they are different or how they compliment biodynamic methods. Also discussed will be new preparations such as barrel compost and Maria Thuns bark sheath preparations. We will discuss some science that has been done to date on preparations along with the numerous examples of reliable results of preparation use in the Biodynamic system, and where further research could go. Included will be a look at examples of sensitive crystallization and chromatography study. Presented will be a list of preparation makers and groups from around North America and how folks can connect with them in their regions. Highlighting the work of the fellowship of preparation makers.