101: Baby Steps Towards Biodynamics & Organic Growing Practices - Part 1 with Thijs Verschuuren

In this episode, we dig into what it really looks like to take manageable, real-world steps toward biodynamic and organic winegrowing with Thijs (Taze) Verschuuren, Director of Vineyard Biology and biodynamic specialist at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in New York's Finger Lakes. We follow Thijs's path from European wine regions to the Finger Lakes and unpack the make-or-break 2018 season. That side‑by‑side contrast pushed the team to fully embrace biodynamics and pursue Demeter certification. We break down biodynamics in practical terms: treating the farm as a living, self-sustaining organism that integrates cover crops, livestock, compost, and on-farm preparations to build resilience from the soil up. Then we zoom into vineyard floor management as an accessible entry point, showing how diverse clover mixes, smarter mowing vs. crimping decisions, and minimal cultivation helped boost soil organic matter from ~1.7% to over 6% in about seven years — one "baby step" at a time. In this episode, you will hear: Why a wet 2018 season pushed Hermann J. Wiemer to deepen its biodynamic commitment How biodynamics differs from organics in philosophy and farm design A practical framework for cover crops (especially clovers) to build organic matter and vine resilience When to mow, when to crimp, and why there's no "set-it-and-forget-it" spray or floor program Baby-step starting points: soil testing, cover cropping, and small-scale animal integration Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Today's Guest:  Thijs Verschuuren is the Director of Vineyard Biology & Biodynamic Specialist at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in upstate New York.  Connect with Thijs at https://www.wiemer.com/ or follow him at hermannjwiemer. Resources: Come grow with Fritz at https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens and HydroGeo Environmental. Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at [email protected] with any questions. Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.