Fields grow better with healthy soil; so does the social sphere. Johannes Steegmans, a university student in his early 20s, shares his impressions of the conference.
I’ve lived in the city my whole life and don’t have much experience with agriculture. That’s exactly why I wanted to get to know agriculture better—as well as the people involved who are driving forward urgent renewal. I came to the conference without knowing anyone but full of hope. Agriculture and the state of the Earth are universal themes. This was evident in the participants, who came from all over the world and represented all age groups. Farmers are people with strong wills. I noticed that immediately in the lively atmosphere. People need action and thought, but also art—and all three came into their own. It was wonderful to see that so many people took the time to come. That’s not something to be taken for granted.
Friends from My Own Country
It’s ironic how sometimes you have to travel to another country to get to know people from your own. Every year, the agricultural training program in Belgium organizes a trip to the conference for its students. I wasn’t part of this group, but they gave me a warm welcome. One of the most beautiful moments took place after the conference had ended. All the participants from Belgium got together, along with some from the Netherlands, to cook a meal and spend a cozy evening together. Towards the end of the night, we looked back on the four days together. Each person shared an experience that deeply moved them. The movement exercises with Stefan Hasler were often mentioned—moving together in the Great Hall was one of the most unifying moments of the conference. For me, the many people I had the chance to meet were especially important, particularly the fact that I found a group of friends near me where I truly feel at home.
You Never Farm Alone
At first, I found the phrase “You never farm alone” rather simplistic and not so profound. Over the course of the conference, however, as it was further explored through lectures, workshops, and conversations, it became clear that it’s not just about collaboration but also about fostering a community and deepening relationships. The community that formed over the short span of days was perhaps the best example of this.
A few weeks after the conference, as I write this, it feels good to know that I have friends—near and far—who, like me, want to change the world for the better. That gives me strength and motivation to continue with my own work. Maybe one day I’ll start a community myself. That’s certainly a dream of mine.
The Will of the Other Is Sacred
In his talk, Ueli Hurter spoke about collaboration based on free will and that the will of the other is sacred. That really resonated with me. It’s easy to speak openly about ideas and discuss them at a conference, because everyone is interested and there isn’t much at stake. But can we do the same with the people at home? With people we can’t avoid, those with whom life has brought us together, and about whom we’ve often formed very different prejudices. How can I accommodate the other person’s ideas without denying my own?
Sometimes you just don’t know how to move forward—and perhaps it’s best to start by accepting that very fact. If you go into a meeting with this attitude and honestly try to search for a solution together, a miracle can sometimes happen. A healing conversation means, above all, listening to one another. Then the answer can suddenly become quite obvious. If you do have criticism of someone else’s opinion, it’s more constructive to express this in relation to the opinion itself, rather than the person. That way, no one feels personally attacked, and the possibility for conversation remains open.
An Impulse That Continues to Resonate
I’ve returned to my university studies. But now, I have a new impulse that continues to resonate within me. Without giving up, I seek a connection with my fellow human beings. This effort is bearing fruit, for at the moment various small projects are emerging—often with people from whom I would never have expected it. I’m starting a small reading group and have joined the university choir. The Agriculture Conference meant a great deal to me. I feel strengthened in my resolve—through what I’ve learned and through the friends I’ve made.
More Goetheanum Section for Agriculture, You Never Farm Alone. Talks from the conference are available for viewing on: GoetheanumTV.
Translation Joshua Kelberman
Photo Xue Li
