#129 In Practice, JAN/FEB 2010

healthy land. sustainable future.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

NUMBER 129

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Collaborating Into the Future—

FINANCIAL PLANNING

From the CEO

by Peter Holter

A

s HMI moves into its 26th year as an international non-profit, our mission remains what it has always been: to reverse the degradation of private and communal land used for agriculture and conservation, restore its health and productivity, and help create sustainable and viable livelihoods for the people who depend on it. How do we do that? Using our statement of purpose— Advance the practice and coordinate the worldwide development of Holistic Management to heal the land while improving quality of life and creating healthy economies—as our compass, we develop those strategies that get us there, with the greatest benefit for all and the biggest bang for the buck.

HMI’s Board of Director and staff met at the annual Board meeting in November 2009. Out of that meeting came a unanimous and unequivocal call to more aggressively and purposefully pursue opportunities for collaboration and collegial cooperation with individuals and organizations who share our mission. And there are many; farmers and ranchers in the U.S. and other parts of the world who seek to create a legacy of good stewardship and leave a healthier resource base for the next generation; government agencies who, like us, support individuals and communities in their efforts to implement sustainable land management practices; conservation and other environmental organizations contributing to preserving important habitats; academic institutions who teach the next generation about sustainability and prudent stewardships; and businesses and corporations participating in creating healthier food systems and sustainable resource management.

Another area of exploration and

WWW.HOLISTICMANAGEMENT.ORG

collaboration will be the carbon sequestration arena. There’s ample evidence that the kind of management practices HMI and others promote and help implement, lead to an increase in soil carbon and, therefore, sequester larger amounts of carbon dioxide from the air than industrial or conventional agriculture. We’re working on strategies to inform the public debate and to support our network of practitioners in their efforts to qualify for – and access – carbon credits.

Clearly, collaboration is a major strategic driver in our plan for the next five years. And so are effectiveness and results. Whatever we undertake in terms of projects, trainings, collaborative ventures, and other initiatives, we want to be sure we achieve the intended results on the ground and that we have the data to prove it!

So we plan, monitor, control, and re-plan.

Now that we have outlined our mission, purpose, and core strategies, here’s what it’ll look like on the ground. Here some of the highlights of our activities over the next three years: In six Northeastern states, close to two hundred beginning women farmers will participate in a three-year whole farm planning training program that will help them make their farms more profitable and their land healthier and more productive; Our work with Horizon Organic continues and will expand to include work with their 500 family farms Our Data & Documentation Division spans all projects and departments, making sure we collect, analyze, and disseminate data relevant to our community and collaborators.

We will develop and roll-out a new product: Holistic Management Remediation on Oil & Gas Drilling Sites; CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Holistic Financial Planning is a critical step to help people achieve their holisticgoal.

Learn more about how the Campbell family is using Holistic Financial Planning to improve profitability on page 5.

FEATURE STORIES Influence of Predators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Why Monitor?

Control What?

TONY MALMBERG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Financial Planning— Make the Commitment DON CAMPBELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Getting It Done— Building a Financial Management Team ROLAND KROOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Holistic Management® Financial Planning Human Creativity and Technology ANN ADAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Data Mine: Improving Forage Distribution Utilization & Livestock Production— Planned Grazing MATT BARNES

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Learning From Two Environments— The Need for Plant Recovery TINA WINDSOR & BLAKE HALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

LAND and LIVESTOCK Winter Bale Grazing— Feeding the Soil KELLY SIDORYK

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Bringing Carbon Back to Agriculture— A Bedded Pack Management System JOHN THURGOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

CRP Grazing KELLY BONEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

NEWS and NETWORK Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Certified Educators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

healthy land. sustainable future.

Holistic Management International works to reverse the degradation of private and communal land used for agriculture and conservation, restore its health and productivity, and help create sustainable and viable livelihoods for the people who depend on it.

STAFF Peter Holter, Chief Executive Officer Tracy Favre, Senior Director/ Contract Services Jutta von Gontard, Senior Director / Philanthropy Kelly King, Chief Financial Officer Ann Adams, Managing Editor, IN PRACTICE and Senior Director of Education Donna Torrez, Manager: Administration & Executive Support Mary Girsch-Bock, Communications Associate Valerie Grubbs, Accounting Associate

Collaborating Into the Future We’ll be expanding our Kids on the Land educational program in Texas and other Western states; Periodically and on demand, we’ll coordinate customized regional workshops; Customer-driven consulting with ranchers, farmers, and businesses will expand all across the country; We’re expanding our Certified Educator training Provide further outreach and education with “The First Millimeter” the PBS documentary Intensified Collaboration with HMI affiliates Support of Holistic Management field days in key areas of the country and support of Management Clubs;

ADVISORY COUNCIL Robert Anderson, Corrales, NM Michael Bowman,Wray, CO Sam Brown, Austin, TX Lee Dueringer, Scottsdale, AZ Gretel Ehrlich, Gaviota, CA Dr. Cynthia O. Harris, Albuquerque, NM Leo O. Harris, Albuquerque, NM Edward Jackson, San Carlos, CA Clint Josey, Dallas, TX Doug McDaniel, Lostine, OR Guillermo Osuna, Coahuila, Mexico Soren Peters, Santa Fe, NM Jim Shelton, Vinita, OK York Schueller, Ventura, CA The David West Station for Holistic Management Tel: 325/392-2292 • Cel: 325/226-3042 westgift@hughes.net Joe & Peggy Maddox, Ranch Managers HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT IN PRACTICE (ISSN: 1098-8157) is published six times a year by Holistic Management International, 1010 Tijeras NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, 505/842-5252, fax: 505/843-7900; email: hmi@holisticmanagement.org.; website: www.holisticmanagement.org Copyright © 2010

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In addition to the examples above, we’ll continue to develop our contract services opportunities in the corporate sector which will help us monetize and further our non-profit education and training programs, further supplemented by grants, donor initiatives, and fees. We will continue to strengthen the HMI brand and support our affiliates in the U.S. and abroad in their efforts to effect change in their communities.

As always, the staff and Board at HMI are grateful for your dedication, patience, and perseverance. Many thanks to you all! Please give us a call so we can discuss with you how to help you spread the word about Holistic Management in your area.

Influence of Predators

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ben Bartlett, Chair Ron Chapman, Past Chair Roby Wallace, Vice-Chair John Hackley, Secretary Christopher Peck, Treasurer Sallie Calhoun Mark Gardner Lee Dueringer Clint Josey Gail Hammack Jim McMullan Ian Mitchell Innes Jim Parker Dennis Wobeser Jesus Almeida Valdez

continued from page one

T

he New York Times recently published an essay by Olivia Judson entitled “Where Tasty Morsels Fear to Tread.” In it, Judson talks about her experiences in Romania; which she describes as the “predator capital of the world,” as Romania is home to Europe’s remaining bear, lynx, and wolf populations.

Although no longer a real threat to the human race, predators remain a driving force behind the behavior of all of nature’s creatures, great and small. While injury and ultimately death occur on a routine basis in nature, what predators really change is the natural dynamic that other creatures exist in.

According to Judson, what predators do really well is create an atmosphere of fear.

What other living creatures do in response to this atmosphere of fear is create an antipredator environment; traveling in herds, flocks, and schools. What this group dynamic does is enable animals to relax and do the things that they need to do, such as eating, sleeping, or finding a suitable mate; all activities that diminish or stop when an animal is basically on its own.

It’s not only certain activities that stop. The presence or threat of predators also determines what direction animals travel in. Judson goes on to cite the behavior of the vervet monkey, a small African monkey that has several natural predators which include leopards and

January / February 2010

baboons. The monkeys will avoid the areas that leopards and baboons frequent, even if the food supply is good. Judson also notes that other creatures behave in similar fashion.

Bumblebees avoid the flowers that typically attract spiders, and impala avoid locations where lions are frequently found.

This “fear factor” also influences other aspects of an animal’s life, frequently resulting in a slower growth rate and less reproduction.

In fact, Judson notes that birds that perceive the presence of predators may skip breeding altogether. An indirect result of this climate of fear also affects plants in the area as well.

When animals avoid certain areas, the plants that typically are eaten for survival suddenly have a chance to grow and flourish; something they could not do before. For example, prior to the introduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park in the 1990s, young willow trees were never given a chance to grow to mature trees due to the propensity of elk in the area that enjoyed nibbling on the trees.

With the introduction of the wolf, elk now perceive the area…and the trees as dangerous, thus enabling the willow trees to grow to maturity.

While many of us will never be able to perceive the world through the eyes of nature’s prey, as Judson so eloquently states, “When predators vanish, our planet becomes a safer, but poorer place.”

Why Monitor?

Control What?

by Tony Malmberg

W

hy don’t we get our planning, monitoring, and controlling done? I have repeated the feedback loop so many times, it has become a mindless mantra. Plan> Monitor> Control> Replan>; Plan> Monitor> Control> Replan???

Monotonous repetition has blurred the distinct and necessary purpose and mindset of each individual step. Our sloppiness blurs monitoring toward simple record keeping.

Grasping attempts to regain control boil into “busyness,” just to be busy. Monitoring and controlling are ineffective until we realize they are an interactive event.

Creating your Record Not that record keeping is bad. Records give us useful information for planning in future years by documenting actual events—during the moment we think we will never forget significant events. But over time, our memories modify toward the dramatic exaggeration or we simply forget. Good decision-making requires accurate records for better future planning.

Accurate records provide critical perspective toward the limits of our abilities. Without this perspective we create unrealistic plans; plans doomed to fail.

Planning identifies the desired future record.

Monitoring provides reference to our reality, relative to our plan. Control gets our reality back to the plan. It sounds so simple, so why is it so difficult? Let’s revisit our analogy used by Allan Savory.

He likens meaningful monitoring to driving a car down the highway. Meaningful monitoring looks out the front window so we can apply the brakes and turn as we enter a curve. Looking in the rear view mirror does not provide feedback to keep us on course. The rearview mirror provides a record of where we have been. Many monitoring plans are actually records and do not provide data necessary for making daily management decisions. For example, on the ranch we owned in Wyoming, the Bureau of Land Management monitoring documented changes in species diversity, bare ground, and plant density. These records provide a necessary documentation of what things look like out the rearview mirror.

Knowing the route we took last time, the time

that route took, the gallons of gasoline, etc., give us perspective on planning the next trip, but not in navigating our trip in the “live, three dimensional” present. Records from past trips inform our plan. Executing the plan creates the record.

Monitor What?

The first big transformation toward practicing Holistic Management happens when we start planning. Most of us look forward to doing our grazing plan and monitoring plant growth to regularly adjust our recovery period. It took much longer for me to get into the habit of Holistic Financial Planning and my wife Andrea would drag me by the ear to the planning table.

The fact remains that we have nothing to monitor or control until we have a plan! What should we have in a plan?

Monitoring and controlling are ineffective until we realize they are an interactive event.

Everyone knows that a plan identifies 1) where we are starting from, 2) where are going, 3) how we are going to get there, and 4) how we know when we have arrived. However, what makes Holistic Management different from others is that we identify early warning indicators. This needs to be done now and stated in our plan.

How do we think through identifying effective early warning indicators? Too often we spend time and money on factors that don’t significantly affect progress toward our holisticgoal. To begin, think of the potential 100% perfect outcome, whether a crop, grass, a field of potatoes or our cash flow. Think of ways to prevent lost potential. Ask, “What are the early warning indicators that will prevent that loss?”

Back to our Wyoming ranch scenario. The

BLM monitoring provided good records of results but not on controlling our grazing plan. Our grazing plan estimated ADA, on a paddock basis.

If we have to move before our planned time due to lack of feed, we immediately know that we are over stocked. This monitoring allows us to make an immediate adjustment in stocking rates that will minimize our necessary reduction.

We monitor plant re-growth daily and adjust our moves to minimize overgrazing. Monitoring plant re-growth and residual cover are two means of looking out the front window and adjusting our actual grazing to control it towards our planned grazing. These two forms of monitoring help control our grazing plan.

Another example would be, what if we miss the opportune time to harrow and weeds rob some moisture and nutrients from our crop? We are suddenly at 90% of the planned potential. We will never get that 10% back again.

It is gone forever. If we are three days late on irrigation and cause plant stress, we have lost another 3%, and are down to 87%. If we miss another irrigation by 5 days, it might take us down to 77% of our potential. Finally, if we are a week late harvesting, we might end up with a crop that is 60% of the initial 100% potential.

Much of agriculture literature is designed around “best practice” to achieve the 100% potential. Perfection may not be the best marginal reaction. As we think through the design of our early warning indicators, think marginal reaction towards our holisticgoal. For example, if it takes 20 hours a week to retain the last 5% of potential, that time might be best spent playing softball with our children.

Therefore, we may only plan for a 95% crop.

Plan early warning indicators toward our holisticgoal to know exactly what to look for as execution begins to unfold. Don’t get confused by “best practices” that only consider a crop or a grazing event.

Execute Means The best of plans are useless unless they are executed. This means control. Back to the car analogy, we control the direction and speed of the car as we navigate through heavy traffic and road interchanges. Our plan identified that if we drove the speed limit we would approach exit 23B, to cross the second bridge into Denver, Colorado, sometime between 2:00 and 2:15 PM. We might have coasted on cruise control for hours and monitored our speed and time casually. Having noted little deviation from our plan we relax until we approach 2:00 PM. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Number 129

IN PRACTICE

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Why Monitor?

continued from page three sense of security. We developed a Holistic

Knowing we are not exact, we need to intensify our monitoring to control our actual course to align with our planned course.

We need to be “full-on” as the exit approaches because if we miss this one it’s several miles and maybe an extra hour of driving to get back on course. To control our potential five-hour trip we must prevent missing this exit and making it a six-hour trip. We need to have our eyes peeled, our hands on the wheel and our mind in the middle. We have a constant

The fact remains that we have nothing to monitor or control until we have a plan!

exchange of monitor-control-monitor-control to navigate the exit, lane change, turn to a one-way street, lane change, turn to parking garage, and finally stop. The high-speed interaction between monitor and control results in creating the record we planned. Our plan prepared us for the window of time to apply acute awareness to monitor and control for the best marginal reaction.

In the grazing plan example above, we might specify that one inch of growth per day signals fast growth and we speed up our livestock moves.

In the farming example, we might specify that weeds with a density of 4-inch spacing and 2inch height signal a need to cultivate. These monitoring “red flags” specify a predetermined action that we can readily execute.

Sticking Our Head in the Sand There are times that we just flat get behind.

We seem to have a default mechanism kick in and we just look the other way. Ignoring is not the same as controlling. At this stage we become like a small child, covering our eyes to become invisible. We have a tendency to “look away” or “explain away” the red flag an early warning indicator provides. For some reason we haven’t registered the urgency and best marginal reaction of keeping on course.

I suggest this default takes us back to poor planning. If our plan doesn’t register commitment to controlling the plan, it was a bad plan. The plan must clearly connect our 4

IN PRACTICE

need to control to our desired quality of life.

If we have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, our plan didn’t connect to our quality of life statement. We need to revisit our holisticgoal.

In the early part of the worst drought in recorded history, I recognized we were overstocked on our Wyoming ranch. We relied on pasture cattle and destocking directly affected our cash flow. I knew our cash flow and debt service were already marginal. I became depressed and would struggle to get out of bed and monitor the pasture utilization. I knew I would find 700 head of cattle bunched in the corner and bawling for fresh pasture. The tendency was to ignore the situation and hope for rain. And I may have, had it not been for a planned early warning indicator.

We were into the fourth year of drought and I learned that rain after June 20 did not result in significant growth in our sagebrush steppe environment. The previous fall we had decent moisture so we planned to increase our stocking rates. However, I knew we were pushing our potential. We planned the early warning indicator demanding action if we did not have significant rain. I took a huge red ink marker and drew a line down through our grazing plan and wrote DDD at the top of the line, at the bottom of the line, and in the middle of the line.

DDD- Drop Dead Date.

No matter how how depressed, how lethargic, or how much I wished to ignore the situation, I could not ignore that big red line and DDD. It is imperative to define early warning indicators when we do our plan. If we clearly identify the reason for the red flag and the necessary action, it will more likely be implemented in a time of stress. I called trucks and we destocked to a level that got us through the year.

Our tendency to ignore early warning indicators happens most often in controlling our financial plan. If we fail to check our actual spending against our financial plan by the 10th of the month, it is in fact, an early warning indicator. This may be fine if you have a strong sense that you are on track and coasting. But when we get behind in monitoring and we know we’ve experienced several unplanned spending events, we often panic. In a grasping effort to regain control we place a moratorium on our spending. We think we are controlling our plan but once again this attempt at control is just another way of sticking our head in the sand. We may actually be causing damage.

How? By freezing spending we gain a false

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Financial Plan, and we did not plan for an expense that wasn’t rigorously scrutinized. We are monitoring and controlling so our costs are actually investments toward achieving our plan.

Freezing spending may starve necessary inputs for creating our desired outcome. We run around being busy and are soothed by activity that is not controlling our plan.

Still another form of early warning indicators is failed testing questions. Brushing failed testing questions aside fails to “control.” In the case of early warning indicators and failed testing questions, “control” means addressing the uncomfortable situation. A bad situation has a tendency to get worse and the more we prolong control the more we veer off course. When a testing question fails it usually means to modify

. . . I took a huge red ink marker and drew a line down through our grazing plan and wrote DDD at the top of the line, at the bottom of the line, and in the middle of the line. DDD- Drop Dead Date.

our proposed action or revisit our holisticgoal.

For example, let’s say building a permanent fence fails the marginal reaction test in favor of using a temporary electric fence. An example might be spending $10,000 to build one mile of permanent fence to minimize overgrazing. If our interest cost is 10%, we have an annual cost of $1,000. If the life of the project is 49 years, our depreciation is $250. We will have an annual maintenance fee of $100, at least. So we have a total annual cost of $1,350, without considering retiring the initial investment.

If we have temporary electric fence, already, and it takes two hours to put up and take down the fence, $1,350 is a pretty good marginal reaction for labor and a little wear and tear. Yet, we often blunder ahead because we don’t want to trudge up the hills and fight the brush. We reason our way around the testing questions to avoid something we don’t want to do!

In this example, the failed test may mean revisiting our holisticgoal and specifying our

desire for shade on hot days and saving time to open a gate rather than put up a mile of temporary fence. Be careful not to lie to yourself in testing decisions. Ignoring a failed testing question is an early warning indicator demanding action. In this example, the action directs us to use temporary fence or change our holisticgoal.

Do Nothing to Get More The most damaging instance of mindless activity is addressing the social weak link with action. This is the only testing question that is not a pass/fail test. It tells us to be aware of social issues and adjust our action to address those concerns or be forewarned of what might happen if we proceed. Those of us who have “been there and done that,” recognize the wisdom in Bud Williams rule in handling cattle: Slow is Fast. His advice especially rings true in the social weak link. If we “stick our head in the sand” and blunder ahead, we could make a bad situation worse. In this case, responding to early warning indicators means doing nothing.

Corporate structure and government agencies tend to exacerbate the social weak link by forcing imposition. This provides a false sense of control in a situation asking for pause. Don’t confuse “control” with doing something just to do something. When dealing with the

Financial Planning— Make the Commitment

by Don Campbell

O

ur year end is August 31st. Last year, we spent a lot of time planning. I am amazed, encouraged, and impressed with what a powerful tool Holistic Financial Planning is. I have always known this, but it becomes even more obvious when times are tough.

Most of you are likely on a calendar year. I encourage you to Commit, Pledge, and Promise yourself that you will do a proper financial plan now. I am confident this would be one of the best investments of your time and money that you could make. If you need help, seek out a trusted friend or your management club or a Certified Educator. One of the comments our son Mark made during the tours we hosted was: “Financial Planning is the hardest and the most important work we do during the entire year.”

complexity of nature and human nature, “control” means self-control.

Making Monitoring Meaningful Finally, we will never find the gumption to “get ‘er done,” if our plan is not relevant to each of us in our own individual way. In the most basic sense this means totally comprehending how monitoring and controlling will create our desired quality of life. If we grasp and internalize that connection, we want to get up in the

We reason our way around the testing questions to avoid something we don’t want to do!

morning. If life is getting in the way, we need to revisit our plan because the plan should be directly proportional to creating our desired quality of life.

We have a huge investment of time and energy in our plan. We identified decision

We began our planning with looking at the big picture.

1. Our quality of life is excellent. We like what we do and we want to continue to raise our families here.

2. We are willing to adjust our standard of living in the short term because we believe the long term will be better.

3. We think there is a future for family ranches.

4. We think a cow yearling operation is best suited to our ranch.

The challenge is how do we make it pay?

Financial Planning Steps We looked at four scenarios. We did a detailed financial plan for each one (all eight steps) and varied our cow numbers. We planned for 550pound (248-kg), 650-pound (293-kg), 700-pound (315-kg), and 750-pound (338-kg) cows. We used constant prices for our cattle sales. Fall cull cows at $.22, summer culls at $.45, yearling steers 825pound (371-kg) at $1.00, and open heifers 825pound (371-kg) at $.85.

We projected all four scenarios out for three full years. The bottom line was that the more cows

makers, those with veto power, and our future resource base. An unexecuted plan, makes the planning a very poor marginal reaction. Time wasted. A replanning event is simply an acknowledgement that we did not have buy-in to our plan, or we did not adequately identify early warning indicators in our plan, or we didn’t have a plan meaningful enough to control.

Our feedback loop may be more effective if we stop thinking of it as Plan>Monitor>Control>Replan. There is, in fact, a clear disconnect between plan and monitor. A plan is completed and set aside. It is done. There is not a disconnect between monitor and control! There is a constant interaction between monitoring where we are relative to the plan and nudging control to keep us on plan.

This interaction, back-and-forth continues until the plan is complete. The need of a replan is due to the failure of identifying early warning indicators in the plan or failing to respond to early warning indicators. Maybe our feedback loop should read: Plan. Monitor and Control.

Replan if we fail to Control. In other words, Plan>Monitor><Control>Replan.

Tony Malmberg is a Certified Educator in Union, Oregon. He can be reached at: Tony@LifeEnergy.us or 541/663-6630.

we had the better off we would be. These prices are what we felt comfortable projecting. They are not a forecast or meant to be used by anyone else. Use your own projections.

This was a very useful exercise and helped us have a realistic look at our business and what the future might hold. After finishing this exercise, we decided that we needed to focus on the upcoming year. Our goal is to make a profit this year so that we will be here next year to deal with whatever the future holds.

We identified our weak link as resource conversion. The single most important thing we can do to be more profitable is to grow more grass. This extra wealth will contribute to cash flow if harvested into biological capital, improved land, and sustainability if left on the land.

Identifying our weak link allowed us to sort our expenses into W (wealth generating), I (inescapable), and M (maintenance expenses).

This allows us to spend our money wisely.

We brainstormed on ideas to improve our financial plan. We came up with nine ideas and put some numbers on all of them. We will CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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Getting It Done— Building a Financial Management Team

by Roland Kroos

I

n the early ‘90s I remember a rancher from northern Montana asking me when I would be teaching the next Holistic Management® Financial Planning workshop. I was perplexed by his question because he had already attended this workshop twice. He immediately responded that he wanted his wife to attend this workshop so she could do the financial monitoring for the ranch. The only problem was that neither he nor his wife had any passion (interest) in doing the financial planning.

In the mid ‘90s I attended an Entrepreneur Workshop by Ernesto Sirrolli. After listening to Ernesto, I understood why so many ranch management teams still don’t effectively do the financial planning as required by Holistic Management. Even if every team member has attended a Financial Planning course, no amount of training will substitute for passion.

At this workshop Ernesto went on to explain what makes an entrepreneurial business great. First and foremost it takes great passion combined with certain management skills: technical, financial, and marketing. Ernesto shared another discovery with the group, “I’ve never met one person who is equally passionate about and capable of doing these three skill sets well.” There in lies the challenge to managing a ranch holistically.

The Three-Legged Stool If we think about entrepreneurship as a threelegged stool, the three legs are: Technical – To be able to create a high quality product or service Marketing – To be able to effectively market whatever it is you are producing Financial – To understand what it costs to produce this product and be able to manage cash flow so you are profitable (Income in and expenses out) He has met people who may be skilled in two areas (technical + financial) or (technical + marketing). Because of this fact, there is no such thing as a one-person business. A person may try to provide all of the skills. But when this person becomes stressed from trying to do everything, they stop doing the tasks they are least passionate about.

In many ranch businesses, the financial monitoring and control stops when the cows begin to calve in the spring and is not resumed until the calves are sold in the fall.

What’s the most urgent task for you in your business? Ernesto says it is to sit in front of a 6

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mirror and determine what you are truly passionate about. If you like raising livestock/crops but hate financial planning and/or marketing, admit it. Our natural inclination is to assign this financial planning to another team member, but what happens if this team member has no interest in financial planning either. As one rancher in Wyoming recently told me, “I already know that I procrastinate when it comes to the financial monitoring and control, so I asked my sister to help me. However, I found my sister procrastinated worse than I did. When she came out to the ranch, she also wanted to spend most of her time on a horse moving livestock or feeding mineral. I already lack the discipline to do the financial planning and I hoped she would keep me on track, but it’s impossible if you both find reasons not to do it.”

Creating Financial Management Support After the Sirolli workshop, I challenged the Milton Ranch team (a ranch that I have consulted with over 10 years) with this question: Are you truly passionate at making the Milton Ranch profitable? If so, then make me your Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As CFO, I would facilitate the creation of the Milton Ranch Financial Plan and ensure that the monthly monitoring, controlling and re-planning were completed.

Dana Milton still paid the bills, but I would receive a monthly QuickBooks report and enter this data onto the Milton Ranch Financial plan. Then I would make sure that we had a conference call or face-to-face meeting regarding any items that were adverse to plan. Bill and Dana Milton report “[We] appreciate Roland’s steady, candid, and sometimes uncomfortable persistence when it comes to financial management, because he won’t let you be satisfied with a plan that doesn’t work.”

Today, Dana has resumed doing most of the financial planning on the Milton Ranch. I still participate in monthly control meeting/conference calls and facilitate the conversation about items adverse to plan.

I truly enjoy doing the financial planning and crunching number with clients. In the last 10 years I have engaged in the role of being a CFO for a handful of ranches. AS CFO, I demand accountability and make sure the control happens, no excuses! I remind the team that if they truly want to make their ranch profitable, they must make it happen. Since I have no vested interest in the ranches I consult with, I cannot stop or make

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them do something they don’t want to do.

However, as CFO they know that I will hold them accountable for the decisions and actions they take.

A year ago, my wife, Brenda, assumed the role of bookkeeper for the J Bar L Ranch. This ranch had previously asked ranch personnel to complete this part-time job (pay bills; enter actual income and expenditures on QuickBooks program). The employees did not enjoy entering the data and did not collect the needed information to make it accurate. So, after losing its second in-house bookkeeper in less than two years, I suggested they contract with Brenda for this service.

Bryan Ulring from J Bar L Ranch reports “It is really nice to have the Kroos team working together to fulfill our needs. Because Roland nows our ranch operation very well, he has been CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Brenda and Roland Kroos

Holistic Management® Financial Planning— Human Creativity & Technology

by Ann Adams

I

n 1997, Holistic Management International came out with our first financial planning software at the request of our network who wanted to continue to use holistic financial planning process while wanting the benefits of computer calculations. It functioned as a macro off of Microsoft® Excel and mimicked the paper financial planning spreadsheet charts and worksheets. Over the years as Excel continued to be updated, we updated the software.

We also received feedback over the years of why many in our network used other software programs like Quicken or Quickbooks or created their own Excel spreadsheets. Ultimately, people were working on ways to address their budgeting, financial planning, financial management, and accounting needs.

Ultimately, realized profit is reinvested in either improved quality of life or increased net worth or a combination of the two.

Successful financial planning and management combines the best of human creativity and technology (software). Because each person or business is unique, one software does not always address everyone’s needs. Likewise, people approach holistic financial planning in different ways. The best software program won’t help you if you haven’t done the thinking necessary for good financial planning or don’t have ownership in the outcome.

Moreover, if your recordkeeping or software feels like too much work, you are less likely to monitor. The key is to create a financial planning and management system that works for you and addresses the key steps in holistic financial planning.

Nine Steps If you look at the graphic on page 17 you will see the nine steps to financial success that Certified Educator Don Campbell talks about when he teaches his classes. 1) The focus is always to look first at your progress toward your holisticgoal. If there is a logjam or adverse factors, you want to make sure you are putting your money and/or energy there first. 2) The next step is to assess your current net

worth as a baseline for the year. 3) Next you plan your income which includes looking at current enterprises and considering new enterprises. That’s where the gross profit Financial Planning Spreadsheet. analysis comes into play.

4) Once you’ve a system for implementation and feedback. The plan, determined your income, you look at profit next to monitor, control, replan feedback loop in holistic challenge yourself to determine what you can set financial planning is critical. This is where you need aside. Many people aren’t motivated to make profit just to make profit. That’s why it is critical for people to create your own system that works for you. A plan is only as good as your ability to implement, monitor, to understand that profit is invested in a number of and adapt. areas including: quality of life (logjams, adverse factors, etc.), the business (addressing Simple or Complex weak links and increased net worth), or the environment (improving land health by building Whether your financial plan is simple (a biological capital which for some people is really household with one salaried employee) or complex about quality of life). Ultimately, realized profit is (a business with multiple enterprises including reinvested in either improved quality of life or livestock), you need a way to create and monitor it. increased net worth or a combination of the two.

We created the new financial planning software with 5) After you have set aside a certain percentage of that in mind. If you just want to have a quick way to your income as your profit you will invest in a create a budget or financial plan and an easy way to variety of investment areas, you need to determine enter in your actual income and expense as it weak links for each enterprise so you can determine happens throughout the year, the planning software how much of your profit will go to addressing those makes that easy with autofill features. Likewise, if weak links. 6) This information will then allow you you have a more complex business and want to run to prioritize your expenses as wealth generating (log a variety of scenarios and explore different gross jam, adverse factors, weak links), inescapable (such profit analysis for different enterprises and have a as debt), and maintenance. variety of products and assets that 7) When you look at your you want to track across plan to see if it cash flows, you ® departments, this software will Holistic Management can then adjust when you are also perform those functions Financial Planning spending or bringing in income along with creating invoices and Software to minimize need for credit or writing checks.

The key areas of the Annual maximize returns and play with The underlying factor in both Plan Spreadsheet area are: the market (see Don Campbell’s scenarios is that the decision Financials article that starts on page 5). makers are using the tools of Income/Expense 8) Last you look at how this human creativity and technology Livestock Worksheet plan affects your net worth. If you to improve their quality of life or Assets net worth is less than before and increase their net worth. Whether Bank Accounts Worksheet you feel fine about that given you use the old software or new, a Savings Worksheet your holisticgoal and your different database driven Loan Worksheet accounting software, your own improved quality of life, that’s Production Worksheet computer spreadsheet or HMI’s great. It’s not about having the Gross Profit Analysis paper forms, stepping through the most money. It’s about knowing Profit Allocation nine key steps to holistic financial why you are making the decisions Invoicing planning will move you toward you are making and having Account Setup your holisticgoal—that’s ownership in the plan.

Reports something you can bank on.

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Improving Forage Distribution Utilization & Livestock Production— Planned Grazing

by Matt Barnes

P

rogressive livestock producers around the world, including holistic managers, have successfully improved both grazing land health and livestock production through various forms of planned grazing, where paddocks are grazed briefly and then given time to recover. Until recently, however, grazing studies on research stations have generally failed to find any advantage of planned over continuous or season-long grazing.

A recent study in Rangeland Ecology & Management offers a resolution to this longstanding and puzzling inconsistency. The article, “Paddock size and stocking density affect spatial heterogeneity of grazing,” found that subdividing a landscape into paddocks and grazing them at high stocking density for a short grazing period would change the distribution of forage utilization across that landscape. Paddocks representing 16-, 32-, and 64-paddock rotations were more evenly grazed than much larger deferred-rotation paddocks.

Grazing distribution is uneven, especially in large paddocks on extensively managed rangelands, due in part to the inherent variation in the landscape, but also to differences in the palatability of individual plants. Animals are attracted to previously grazed plants, leading to an uneven pattern of utilization where some patches are grazed very heavily while adjacent areas are not used at all. These patches can become centers of expanding rangeland degradation, even when the overall stocking rate and utilization are low, especially on arid and semiarid rangelands— hence the phrase “under-stocked yet overgrazed.”

With small paddocks, you can increase the proportion of plants that are grazed, and, with long enough recovery periods, you can break the cycle of patch degradation. This improvement is not automatic and requires adaptive management.

Grazing periods should be short enough that the livestock are out of the pasture by the time regrowth occurs, and the non-grazing interval should be long enough that the plants have recovered and can withstand another grazing bout. Thus the length of grazing and recovery periods should be determined by plant growth rates, and need to be lengthened during periods of slow or no growth, when little or no recovery is occurring—otherwise the result may not be different from continuous grazing. In our study, we tried a second grazing period after an insufficient recovery period, and the improved distribution we had measured after the first 8

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grazing period weakened. This implies an interaction between the temporal and spatial dimensions of grazing management.

This may have occurred in previous grazing studies where calendar-based schedules were rigidly adhered to, and in the end there was no difference between grazing systems—because rotations were not adapted to changing growth rates, sometimes causing overgrazing rather than preventing it. The conclusion should be that rotational grazing does not work. Adaptive management, of course, is the essence of planned grazing.

Study finds that intensive planned grazing can improve distribution, offers resolution to longstanding discrepancy Another reason why previous studies found no difference between grazing systems was that all of the treatments were in very small paddocks, often within a single ecological site—including the continuous grazing treatment. “This is intended to represent a large continuously grazed paddock, but what it really represents is a landscape of many small paddocks, each of which is continuously grazed,” said Ben Norton, a coauthor of the study. Thus, one of the signature benefits of rotational grazing—paddock subdivision—was incorporated into the continuous grazing treatment. The results would be quite different at the full landscape scale on a commercial ranch.

The study demonstrates that grazing should be managed in terms of spatial distribution as well as intensity (stocking rate), timing, and frequency.

The spatial benefits of planned grazing may be realized through methods other than intensive fencing, including changing access to water sources, strategic supplementation, herding, and

January / February 2010

manipulating animal behavior, including selecting or culling individual animals based on where they forage. What really matters is the spatial and temporal pattern of grazing as actually experienced by the plants, and there are many ways, including planned grazing, to influence that.

Land managers have to deal with all variables at once, and try to implement an optimum combination to achieve a desired outcome.

Scientists do essentially the opposite: hold all variables constant except for one, to identify the mechanisms by which nature works. Science could tell you how a blanket was woven, by teasing apart the strands; but would not illuminate the pattern in all its complexity. The artist weaves the pattern that tells the story, giving the blanket its beauty, much as managers and animals create patterns on the landscape.

This is the first study to quantify the beneficial effect of planned grazing on livestock distribution.

This leads to better land health and higher grazing capacity, but this improvement depends on good planning and adaptive management. The article represents an emerging scientific understanding of grazing ecology and management, based on a holistic view of complex, self-organizing systems of soil-plant-herbivore interactions, and adaptive management of change on large and variable landscapes. As such it is a beacon of hope for restoration of the world’s grazing lands.

The paper is in the July 2008 issue of Rangeland Ecology & Management 61:380-388.

It is available online at www.srmjournals.org, where it was one of the top five most viewed articles of 2008.

Matt Barnes is a Certified Professional in Rangeland Management in Kremmling, Colorado, whose holisticgoal recently led him to form Shining Horizons Land Management, through which he is seeking a ranch to plan and manage. He can be reached at: mattk.barnes@gmail.com.

The full citation for this information is: Barnes, M.K., B.E. Norton, M. Maeno, and J.C. Malechek.

2008. Paddock size and stocking density affect spatial heterogeneity of grazing. Rangeland Ecology & Management 61:380-388. http://www.srmjournals.org/perlserv/?request=g et-abstract&doi=10.2111%2F06-155.1

Learning From Two Environments— The Need for Plant Recovery

by Tina Windsor & Blake Hall

W

e’ve been interested in sustainable agriculture for quite some time and while Blake has been working on completing his Carpentry Apprenticeship (finished last year), we’ve been learning all we could. While staying up-to-date on innovative farming through reading the Stockman Grassfarmer, Acres USA, and IN PRACTICE, we worked part time on farms in southwestern Ontario. Once Blake finished his apprenticeship, we felt ready to hit the road and work with innovative farmers and graziers to learn enough to run our own successful operation in the future.

We have been on a trip across Canada and parts of the U.S. working on a number of farms, some who practice Holistic Management, learning about grass-based livestock. Our trip started in May with ten days in New Jersey, spent two months in Vermont and then moved westward across Canada.

We spent August on two different farms in southeastern Saskatchewan and were on a farm in northern Alberta.

Though we have learned much since we started our trip, there has been one significant “A-HA!” moment: We witnessed similar tools being used successfully to manage land in both brittle and non-brittle environments. These tools were modified to suit the particular climate and goals of each farm, which provided us with a better understanding of the effect that climate and soil type has on re-growth and the importance of allowing plants to fully recover.

It became clear that more-brittle environments would be more negatively affected by improper management. A significant point was learning, through seeing, that overgrazing is a factor of time because it allows the “second bite” which results in stunted re-growth of the plant. This is where we saw the tool of grazing planning implemented.

In early August we moved from a non-brittle environment in Vermont to a more-brittle environment in southeastern Saskatchewan. Tools we saw being used in Saskatchewan were: grazing planning and animal impact. Our “A-HA!” moment occurred when we saw the difference between grass plant recovery times in Vermont (60 days) and Saskatchewan (90 days).

It has been a very dry summer in southeastern Saskatchewan, particularly during peak growing times in June and July which resulted in stunted grass recovery. Graziers there noted this delayed regrowth through monitoring and took appropriate

pugging because of the moisture-laden clay-rich soils. Moving the herd frequently was an alternative to feeding hay.

The tool of money and labor was used here as well. On this farm there were two farmers, one who milked the herd with an assistant. This allowed the other farmer to dedicate a larger portion of his time to moving cows and maintaining ultra-high stock density. This high stock density laid down a litter layer which feeds soil microbiology, ultimately increasing the quality of the soil. Here the producer used primarily visual observation to determine grazing moves and haying times.

On both farms visual checks of gut fill and grass lengths were also used to determine move timing and whether bale feeding was necessary. The focus for all farmers was that the grass had fully recovered so there would be no overgrazing.

Allowing for full plant recovery had positive results in both environments. Each producer we visited managed differently in order to achieve their own holisticgoal. Of all the tools outlined in Holistic Management, grazing planning and animal impact were the tools we have seen used most frequently. It was clear that regardless of how brittle the environment of the farm was, keen planning and management benefited the farm on all levels from soil to plant to animal.

means to stretch the grass to follow the grazing plan. In this case the pastures needed to be grazed for longer periods of time to ensure full recovery for the rest of the farm without overgrazing. The techniques used were increased stock density, increased frequency of moves and supplemental feed in the form of hay. Frequent moves separated the animals from where they had previously been grazing, creating a physical barrier between them and the tempting second-bite.

Animal impact was used to lay-down litter to create a mulch layer of “armor” which maintained soil moisture during the heat of the day and a comfortable environment for soil micro-organisms.

Tests with thermometers showed that soil temperatures were up to 14 degrees F (8C) cooler where soil covered with mulch. In Vermont there was much more biomass because of the moisture, which meant there was a thicker mulch layer. This tool was clearly beneficial in both environments.

By allowing full grass recovery and moving cattle quickly at a higher stock density, the benefits of avoiding the “second bite” after the grass plant Blake Hall has pursued learning about farming, had begun to re-grow were clear. The grass was tall, including a trip to Judy Farms in Missouri where he healthy and obviously had a very healthy root attended his first Holistic Planned Grazing Class led system. Moreover, the cattle could eat relatively

by Ian Mitchell-Innes. He completed his Carpentry selectively without creating favorable conditions for Apprenticeship in April 2009. Tina Windsor worked undesirable plant species. to promote sustainable living and global awareness Our two months in Vermont were spent on a throughout high school. Her undergraduate thesis dairy. Tools used here were technology, grazing researched focused on the effects of climate change planning, money, labor, and animal impact. The on food and water security which led to a keen tool of technology was in the form of sub-soiling. interest in sustainable agriculture and local food This particular technology was permitted by the systems. She completed her Bachelors in Landscape high moisture levels, which allowed for more severe Architecture in December 2008. Tina and Blake can soil disruption because of quick soil and plant be reached at: whatyoumakeofit@gmail.com. recovery. We saw a test plot of subsoiling while we were in Saskatchewan.

The re-growth post sub-soiling was significantly more stunted than in Vermont; however the farmer in Saskatchewan was hopeful that the benefits will be clearer next season.

This was a clear example of the recovery lag-time in more brittle environments.

Haying was incorporated into grazing planning if the grass got ahead of grazing. This also allowed for the farmer to feed hay in the barn if it rained for too many days and the pastures were getting too wet. The difficulty here, as opposed to in Blake Hall and Tina Windsor in Saskatchewan, Canada Saskatchewan, was in controlling Number 129

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& Winter Bale Grazingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;

The Foundation

Feeding the Soil

Over the years we have realized the importance of the holisticgoal and the various planning processes. Our holisticgoal is as follows:

by Kelly Sidoryk

Quality of Life

O

ur family has been involved in Holistic Management for over 20 years. In that time our operation has moved from a custom feedlot to a forage-based, cow-calf/yearling outfit. At our Lloydminster site, we manage over 3,500 acres (1,400 ha), with about 1,000 deeded and the balance rented. Our rental agreements are long term and with privately owned land. The livestock numbers vary somewhat but there are usually 300-400 cows and approximately 700 yearlings. At the Saskatchewan location there is about 6,700 acres (2,680 ha), half leased from the government. Cow numbers vary between 400 and 500. All the land is in forage. We try to focus on capturing and converting as much solar energy as possible. Our environmental conditions tend to be somewhat more non-brittle.

The operation is a family business founded by Dennis and Jean Wobeser, who are still active. Other members include son Brady and his wife, Shauna and their two boys, Dalen and Nolan; and daughter Kelly Sidoryk and her husband Mike and their children, Tess, Leah and Carter. Dennis, Brady and Kelly are responsible for the day to day operations.

As a family; growing, open, honest relationships are important. We value a high level of trust with our family, friends and associates.

We strive to be lifelong learners continuing the journey toward personal growth and development. As well as being innovative leaders striving for wisdom and knowledge and the ability to share this with others.

We recognize the importance of respecting and working with nature.

We strive for independence without relying on banks, professionals and agri-business.

We value freedom, independence and fun. The well-being of our community is important.

Forms of Production We wish to produce profit by harvesting growth on the land, converting sunlight through livestock, based on renewable production.

We wish to produce profit from the services we provide, in a manner not conflicting with our values.

We wish to produce an environment that promotes healthy relationships and growth opportunities for all members.

We strive to establish a positive working relationship with landowners whose land maybe involved in our total operation as part of a joint venture.

Future Resource Base We believe in the importance of a healthy vibrant ecosystem; water cycle,

The top right hand corner shows the forage not impacted by bale grazing.

The balance of the picture illustrates the lush, dark green color and increased volume of plant material.

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The darker green spots indicate where the bales were fed.

Cows bale grazing in the winter. mineral cycle, and energy flow; which emphasises complexity. Our landscape will be at a level of succession mostly comprised of grasslands along with natural bluffs, wetlands, water sources and a diverse community of wildlife, birds, insects and micro-organisms.

Moving Cows We have been practicing planned grazing for many years. The grazing cells are subdivided into paddocks with electric wire. We were one of those who spent a lot of time on fencing after first being introduced to Holistic Management. Along with this we have been doing grazing plans to ensure adequate recovery time of plants. Initially our recovery times were not long enough and we have extended these.

The weak link in our operation has been resource conversion. We were not growing as much forage as we could. There was more bare ground than we would have liked. In our winter climate, one of the biggest expenses is winter feed. We wanted to extend our grazing season and simplify the winterfeeding. That meant handling the feed as little as possible. As we had changed the operation, we had gotten rid of most of the feed producing equipment and our calculations showed it was cheaper to buy the feed than make it.

One of our guiding principles was to make the cows do most of the work.

The idea of setting hay bales out in the paddocks in the winter and moving the cows regularly started to make more sense. In effect we would be moving the cows in the non-growing season similar to how they were in the growing season. We had encountered some that were doing it with straw as a supplement.

Testing Straw When running this idea through the testing guidelines this is what we came up with: Cause and effect—the issue of too much bare ground could have been caused by lack of nutrients due to previous farming practices. The addition of organic matter through bale grazing and the associated animal impact will help increase organic matter and the health of the soil and, therefore, the plants. It is also important to ensure that plant recovery times are adequate through our planned grazing during the growing season.

Sustainability—passed as it was taking us toward more complexity in our ecosystem as described in our future resource base.

Weak link—passed as our weak link was resource conversion and covering more bare ground, we felt would increase forage growth.

Marginal reaction—this did give us the best return on money invested.

The least investment was required with the greatest return as compared to traditional daily feeding where one had to process and handle the feed (with labor, equipment and fuel) to take it to the animals as opposed to the animals getting it themselves.

Gross profit analysis—does not apply as we were not comparing enterprises.

Energy/Money Source and Use—the energy used would be fossil fuels but would be a one time use only. Once the bales were set out the feed would not be handled again mechanically versus all the fuel if we had done it ourselves. Granted, the fuel was still being expended elsewhere. The source of financing was partially solar dollars from previous profits and the balance would be paper dollars from our operating loan through the bank.

Society and Culture—passed as we felt it would not have a negative impact. There was the issue however, of a new and untested feed method. We expected there to be negative feedback but didn’t think it would be enough to deter us, as we had been involved in Holistic Management for a number of years already we had received criticism because we did not fall into mainstream agriculture. So we felt we could handle it.

Giving It A Go In 1996 we began moving out into the paddocks with winter-feeding.

Initially different combinations of straw and pellets were fed. Then in 2003 on this particular paddock we began bale grazing hay. It has turned out to be better than we had hoped. Production has significantly increased, as has biodiversity.

Production in the form of ADAs has been a little more difficult to assess in our operation as we have been using some as stockpiled forage into the next year.

The biological monitoring supports this improvement. We looked at the monitoring results on a particular paddock that had been bale grazed for three winters over the last five years. Bare ground has decreased from around 20% to virtually zero. The average distance between plants has gone from over 3 inches to .6 inches. We now have a litter 3 category, which is a thick layer of thatch where the bale butts were. This makes up 21% of the area. The plants are predominantly grasses. More legumes and forbs for greater diversity would be desirable.

Some have questioned how much waste there is and if this will choke out or kill the grass. Our answer is we do not consider leftover hay to be waste as it becomes litter, which builds organic matter. The increase in production and health of the grass plants more than makes up for the plants that may be lost. Initially, there is a tremendous increase in growth in a circle around the bale butt, which makes up for the mat in the center.

However, we have observed if the litter is initially quite thick there will be a delay in the grass growing through. Some have dealt with this by harrowing the bale butts, but one question that arises is the cost of running the equipment to do this. The bale butt is a large deposit of organic matter, which becomes a food source for micro-organisms. These in turn enhance the availability of nutrients to the plants. The thick growth of the circles then continues expanding.

Others have also utilized this form of winter-feeding and done trials comparing bale grazing to other types.

Don Campbell, from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, a fellow Holistic Management® Certified Educator, estimates the increase in forage production from bale grazing to be two to four times in the next growing season.

Cost/Benefit Analysis Steve Kenyon ranches in the Barrhead area of northern Alberta and also has experience with bale grazing. “Bale grazing allows us to greatly reduce labor and equipment requirements during the feeding period. Last season with a four-five day graze, feeding labor worked out to under $.10/hd/day.

Total feed and labor costs were under $1.15/hd/day. In addition to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Bringing Carbon Back to Agriculture—

A Bedded Pack Management System

by John M. Thurgood

F

ive miles outside of Arkville, New York, deep in the Catskill Mountains, on a farm with steep, productive pastures and meadows, Jake and Karen Fairbairn were managing a mixed herd of 35 dairy cows. The cows were grazed during the six-month growing season and were out-wintered using a pack of straw for loafing and resting. They were fed large round bales of hay in an area adjacent to the pack. Jake had remodeled a beautiful tiestall dairy barn to accommodate a five-unit swing parlor. The cows were healthy, as evidenced by low bacteria counts in their milk. Jake related, “My herd had the lowest somatic cell count for the county (Delaware 2005). “The challenge was runoff from the pack and feeding area moving to a nearby road ditch, then a stream. In addition, the fields used for manure spreading were inaccessible during most of the winter due to icing of farm lanes and a snowpack on fields.

The Fairbairns decided to enroll in the Watershed Agricultural Program of the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC). In the New York City Watershed, whole farm planning is being done on nearly every farm with significant numbers of livestock to protect the water supply for 9 million water consumers that reside in and around New York City. The voluntary program is led by a council of farmers and is fully funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Conservation, federal agencies and other sources.

Whole farm environmental planning and implementation is done by a team of professionals with the participating farmer as an equal member. The Fairbairns’ team included Dan Flaherty, WAC Small Farm Program Coordinator, and Civil Engineering Technicians Chris Creeelman and Paula Christman Bagley, of the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District and the WAC respectively.

The traditional way to store winter manure in the Northeast is in liquid form using a tank or lagoon. The team wanted to explore other alternatives due to the negative aspects of liquid manure: odors, the instability of nitrogen, the need for specialized equipment to transfer, transport and apply, and the horsepower needed to perform these functions.

Jake and Karen didn’t want to have their cattle confined to a concrete barnyard and had concerns with the associated water management system.

Effluent from rainfall hitting the barnyard would need to be treated using a vegetative filter area. In the Fairbairns’ case, barnyard rainfall would be pumped up a steep hill to the filter area. The energy needed to pump this effluent and the associated maintenance didn’t seem to be a wise use of resources.

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Interior of the Bedded Pack Management System

Thinking Outside the Box It soon became apparent to the team that an “outside of the box” solution was needed. They learned about a new approach being used in northern Vermont. The team and a delegation from the Watershed Agricultural Program visited numerous farms, including Jack and Ann Lazor’s Butterworks Farm, where the organic herd of 45 dairy cows is housed in a bedded-pack barn. Jack does not stir the bedding, just adds new layers of straw daily to cover manure deposited the previous day. Dan and Jake were impressed with how clean and content the cattle were on the bedded pack— the cows were down-right happy! In addition to housing the cattle, Jack believes the pack is a major benefit to his farm system as a valuable source of carbon to be returned to the soil.

Jack expressed concerned that we have “de-carbonized” agriculture in America. He expects the composted pack to benefit the soil biological community, increase soil organic matter, and enhance soil health.

Increased soil organic matter also carries the benefit of sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

After the visit, the team was convinced that a bedded-pack barn was the best solution for the Fairbairn farm, and planning began in earnest.

A Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant would fund construction as well as a labor and economic case study of the bedded-pack project. To differentiate the system from composting barn technology, the team coined the term “Bedded Pack Management System (BPMS).”

The Fairbairn facility was designed to house a 50-cow milking herd for six months, approximately mid-November to mid-May, depending on the weather. The farm’s average weight per cow was 1,000 pounds (450 kg). The facility was constructed as a natural wood-sided structure with a steel-framed, fabric-covered, roof structure. The walls are composed of rough cut tamarack planks that were nailed and lagged to rough cut locust posts.

A great source of design information for bedded pack barns is “Penn State Housing Plans for Milking and Special-Needs Cows” (NRAES-200) which calls for a bedded pack area of 125-150 square feet (14-17 sq m) per dairy cow, along with a feed alley. The Fairbairn facility did not include a feed alley, as manure scraped from a feed alley is in liquid form requiring a storage tank. Manure accumulation was estimated using figures from the “Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook,” Midwest Plan Service-18. The cows were fed using round bale feeders. When designing a structure, space to accommodate the feeders and waterers needs to be accounted for.

Two waterers were installed, one on the sidewall and one in the center of the building. As the pack rose, cribbing was added to raise the waterers.

Adjusting the System The first two years the Fairbairns housed animals in the BPMS they used an average of 3,200 pounds (1,440 kg) of straw per 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of animal. The first year they housed cows and heifers and the second only cows. Jake added bedding to the pack every other day using a rear discharge manure spreader. Maneuvering the spreader, Jake was able to bed the facility mechanically, without having to manually pitch the bedding.

The pack was removed from the facility using a skid steer with a grapple attachment. With significant dust, good ventilation proved to be important.

Processed straw makes removing the pack much easier. There were odors when emptying the pack, but they dissipated quickly and there were no complaints from neighbors. The pack was loaded into a flail manure spreader and windrowed for composting.

Three samples of the pack were taken from the BPMS and analyzed by the Pennsylvania State University Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory. The bulk density and carbon-to-nitrogen level of the material proved to be well suited for composting (On-Farm Composting Handbook, NRAES 54). The moisture level of 70% was higher than a more optimum 60%, but this could be managed by turning the windrows. It is important to note that little to no composting activity occurred in the pack. This was as expected; the pack doesn’t provide enough air for composting to take place.

Results and Recommendations The Bedded Pack Management System proved to be an excellent environment for the cows as evidenced by continued outstanding milk quality performance and an increase of 2,000 pounds (900 kg) per year in herd average milk production due at least in part to the BPMS. On the whole, there were no large labor saving advantages of the BPMS on the Fairbairn farm as the Fairbairns had a labor efficient swing parlor and out-wintered their cattle before the BPMS was implemented. Farms that have labor intensive tie-stall barns and facilities with a substandard environment for dairy cattle might reap more benefits.

The large amount of bedding required by the BPMS indicate that limiting the use of the facility to half of the year during the inclement months, then keeping animals on pasture, is necessary to make bedding costs manageable.

It is expected that bedding costs will also make this an unattractive option for beef farmers that have extremely tight profit margins.

Reducing bedding cost is important for the BPMS to be sustainable.

Farms that produce small grains and associated straw will be able to reduce bedding costs since they won’t have to pay for transport. Producing and cycling straw/carbon on the farm avoids the accumulations of imported nutrients from purchased straw. For farms that don’t raise annual cereal crops, the harvest of mature hay, such as Reed Canarygrass, might be a viable option.

Organic farms that place a higher value on compost, due to the relatively high cost of organic fertilizers and their increased emphasis on soil health, will be better able to justify the additional cost of bedding material. There is a trend of organic dairy farms to produce small grains to feed their cattle to reduce purchased feed costs and to better cycle nutrients on the farm. In addition to providing nutrients for cattle, the small grains can also supply the bedding needs of the animals.

Another option to reduce bedding costs would be a BPMS design to include a concrete feed alley, thereby reducing the amount of manure deposited on the pack since livestock excrete significant amounts of manure while eating and drinking. The downside is that manure removed from the feed alley may need liquid storage. The capital expense of implementing a solid and liquid system might be economically prohibitive.

Farms with significant herd health issues transferrable between animals, especially through their manure, might not want to implement the BPMS

Jake bringing a large round hay bale into BPMS since the animals are fed on the pack. Raising the round bale feeder above the pack or using a feed alley will reduce this risk.

Finally, the bedded pack may eliminate, or significantly reduce, the hoof and leg problems associated with housing dairy cattle on concrete or other hard surfaces. Animal longevity and productivity should provide economic gains not quantified due to the limitations of the case study.

The Fairbairns were very happy with their three years using Bedded Pack Management System. Last year, they made a career decision for Karen to utilize her talent and love of managing a summer camp enrichment program, accepting a position at a camp in Connecticut. The camp includes a model farm that Jake takes great satisfaction in managing.

Jake and Karen’s parents are now raising heifers in the facility.

The decision to implement a BPMS has very large implications.

Farmers considering such a system Jake and Karen Fairbairn should evaluate how it fits with their resources and management philosophy. Complete information and recommendations on the BPMS can be found in “Bedded Pack Management System Case Study,” John M. Thurgood, Bagley P. C., Comer C.M., Flaherty D.J., Karszes J., Kiraly M., Department of Applied Economics and Management, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, EB 2009-16, September 2009. If you are considering a BPMS, you will certainly benefit from this resource.

You can obtain a copy at this web address: http://aem.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2009/Cornell_AEM_eb0916.pdf John Thurgood is a Holistic Management® Certified Educator, Holistic Management International, and Watershed Agricultural Extension Team Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Delaware County as part of the Watershed Agricultural Program. He can be reached at: jmt20@cornell.edu.

Number 129

Land & Livestock

13

To CRP or Not

by Kelly Boney

W

hen my granddad homesteaded here near San Jon, New Mexico in 1907 his dream was to farm. He owned the first International Harvester Dealership in east central New Mexico. My dad has many stories of him and his older brother picking up horses from farmers who had traded them in on a new tractor. I grew up listening to stories of them meeting the train in Hereford, Texas and driving the tractors back home. We still have a combine from granddad’s implement dealership and another that dad drove home from Hereford. My mom and dad did custom wheat and milo harvesting for a number of years; one of the old combines proudly bears a sticker of when it was in the “Million Acre Harvest” to help feed the troops in WWII. Needless to say farming is in our blood.

There have been many tough decisions to make over the past 100 years.

In the mid ‘90s my parents had to make a decision that could, and in essence did, change the face of our family homestead. They enrolled our cropland into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The program administered through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) paid farmers to take highly erodible acres out of farm production and plant those acres to grass.

The land was then to sit idle for 10 years. We have taken advantage of two CRP programs and one extension, meaning some of our farm land has not seen a plow for over 22 years.

Cropping versus Pasture Attitudes have changed dramatically since the first CRP enrollment. I remember my parents spending long hours discussing whether to enroll or not. Everyone was talking about it: Who was going to sign up? What were the requirements? Where would you get a grass drill? Who was selling grass seed? But the number one comment was: “We will sign up for 10 years and then break it out again.” That was my parents’ conclusion also. So when it came time to plant grass, they chose the cheapest grass seed because there was no intention of leaving it in pasture. They enrolled only a portion of our farm so that we could still have wheat pasture and hay production for the cattle.

In that ten-year period we made some hay, but had no wheat pasture.

When we cut our last wheat crop, Dad and I went to town to sell the grain.

Briefly figuring our expenses and anticipated income we concluded we had not even paid for our fuel or our time. So when the second CRP program was announced, we quickly decided to enroll all our acres! By this time it was pretty well established our farming days were over so we planted a better mix of native grasses and forbs with grazing in mind. After the grass was planted we took our prized 3588 International Harvester to a farm sale and watched another proud farmer leave with his new to him tractor. We knew it was the end of an era.

Twenty some odd years ago our community and family was abuzz with whether or not to enroll acres into the CRP program. Today the buzz is about what to do with it now that it is coming out. With nearly 31 million acres generating $1.7 billion nationwide, I know we are not alone in this dilemma. Our CRP sits in Curry County in east central New Mexico. We enjoy on average 16 inches (400 mm) of rain a year with six months of frost-free days. The only weather event we can count on is the wind; it’s going to blow; it’s just a matter of how hard.

Dad and I have known the CRP grass would enable us to increase our cow herd and add flexibility to our grazing plans on our native grass pastures. For the past several years we have taken advantage of the 14

Land & Livestock

January / February 2010

The old combine still sets in the edge of our CRP Field; a reminder of days gone by. managed haying and grazing program on our CRP and allowed our native pastures to recover during the growing season. We have seen a tremendous improvement in the native grasses with increased diversity and more forage going into the winter. We have recently added 18 head of cattle (25% increase) to our herd to take advantage of the increased forage production. We own 2,200 acres with nearly a third being in CRP. A good portion of the other acres is in rough country we call the breaks with a 300 foot elevation change.

Say No to Fire We know that after nearly 90 years of farming, followed by 20+ years of total rest the land is in a degraded state. Large clumps of decadent grass, hard capped soil, horrible water infiltration, noxious and worrisome weeds, lack of diversity, poor forage quality and huge distances between living plants is the norm in the old fields. In looking for ways to bring the soil and grasses back we have looked at a variety of options. One of those options was fire.

Fire would certainly take care of the decadent grass and improve forage quality. But in 2006 we had an unplanned CRP fire. It burned about 20 acres of our native CRP and two adjacent CRP fields dominated by Love Grass.

Even three years later there is significantly more bare ground and less production on the burned side than the non-burned side. In addition the strip plowed by the road grader to stop the fire has cut off our 20 acres from the watershed. Where the grader scraped off the top soil little grows, and this fire break creates the perfect wash way for water to quickly run off creating a new gully. Granted if animals had been allowed to open the soil the results would have been different. However, we are still under the restrictions of the contract.

As we have monitored the burned area we have decided burning isn’t the option for us. When our soils are lacking organic matter it seems a waste to let it all go up in smoke. With the danger of CRP fires quickly getting out of control, it has never passed the testing.

Stock Density to the Rescue Animal impact is the route we have chosen to go. Typically we have grazed 80-acre paddocks with 40 head of cattle. We have seen slow results; there is more diversity, plant spacings are getting smaller, but it is slow. One reason is we can only graze once every 3 years. The other is we need greater stock density and herd effect.

This past summer we split one of the 80-acre (32-ha) paddocks in half and doubled our stock density. The results were amazing. Three years of forage accumulation allowed us to leave the cattle on the paddock for 3 weeks. At the end of the three weeks we still had forage available to the

they melt. So we try to have some hay each winter. An option Dad and I are looking at is to swath the grass and rake 2-3 rows together and let it lie in the field. When we need to feed hay, we’ll use electric fence to put the cattle on sections of the hay; this will greatly improve our soil where the cattle trample and reduce our costs of winter feed. We will take advantage of the warmer days to build fence and avoid having to feed in the ice and snow.

Bare spot is where the Russian Knapweed used to be. Notice the distance between plants and the litter knocked down by the cows cattle. I used salt blocks to add animal impact and herd effect in a stand of Russian Knapweed. Clover came up in the areas of high animal impact almost overnight.

With rain and time we are seeing an increase in clover and cool season grasses throughout the entire 80 acres. The areas we are seeing the greatest increases are in the areas of highest animal impact. It is really exciting to drive by the field in mid-November and see green!

I goofed on one spot. As I was moving my salt blocks, something happened and I dumped them off the 4-wheeler and left. It rained that night and the cattle found their beloved salt blocks and I had a mud puddle. I moved the cattle but I had to leave their salt blocks because of the mud around them. Several days later I returned to gather the salt blocks. It still looked wet so I drove the 4-wheeler close to the blocks. If I had not been able to use the 4-wheel drive I would have gotten stuck. But with time, this spot has recovered and is covered in grass and clover.

Inspired by our results we are planning on running our cattle on small strips next summer increasing our stock density. We are planning grazing only a few acres per day and moving fence at least once every three days. This will allow us to increase our stock density and keep animal performance high by allowing them fresh grass more often. This will also give us the trampling we need to incorporate the decadent grass into the soil, open the cap, allow sunshine to reach the seedlings, and help water to infiltrate better.

I remember well the excitement and hope wheat harvest brought. We couldn’t wait to get the combine in the field to see how many bushels per acre we had made that year. I also remember the family time: me, Mom and Dad working from sunup to sundown together gathering the wheat. Sure it was a lot of work; it was hot and the gnats ate you up, but all in all it was a time I looked forward to each year. When we went into the CRP I wondered if those days were gone. Looking to the future now I see the same excitement: How many pounds of forage can we produce? How many head can we run each year? The family time will still be there moving fence and water; watching baby calves play and cattle get fat.

Kelly Boney is a Certified Educator in San Jon, New Mexico. She can be reached at: 575/760-7636 or kboney@plateautel.net.

Future Plans As Dad and I look to October 1, 2011 the day the CRP is officially ours again, we are excited we know with mob and planned grazing we will be able to restore the soil while increasing our herd size moving us toward our holisticgoal and sustainability. We can easily double our herd size to over 100 when the CRP expires and after that probably with careful planning and monitoring; double or maybe triple that number.

We are also looking to the CRP to provide our winter hay needs. In eastern New Mexico we usually don’t have many days of snow covering the ground, but we need to plan on some each winter. Typically our snows are either blizzards when they fall or become ground blizzards before

Large clumps of decadent grass, hard capped soil, horrible water infiltration, noxious and worrisome weeds, lack of diversity, poor forage quality and huge distances between living plants is the norm in the old CRP fields on the Boney Ranch.

20 ADA X 864 acres (346 ha) = 17,280 AD 288 acres used per year under CRP = 576 acres (230 ha) = 11,520 AD Currently 16 SAU stocking rate Double forage and use all each year = 95 SAU Additional 79 SAU CRP Payment/acre CRP Total Acres CRP Payment

$32.50

Additional stock with land out of CRP

79

864

Gross Profit/animal

$500

$28,080

Total additional GP with land out of CRP

$39,500

Number 129

Land & Livestock

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Feeding the Soil

continued from page eleven

reduced labor, bale grazing also allowed them to import nutrients and organic matter to their land. We value each cow that is fed on our pastures at $.30/hd/day due to the fertilizer value added to the land. This would make our true feed cost at $.85/hd/day. We also receive added water holding capacity and ground cover due to this strategy. Bale grazed land can outproduce the land not bale-grazed by up to $75/acre more in the first year.

That benefit remains in the land for years to come,” says Kenyon.

Foreground and darker area closer to the top show the bale butt areas.

Center area indicates the lush, dark green, healthy growth where the bales had been fed.

A study done by the Western Beef Development Centre by Dr. Bart Lardner on winter feeding beef cows looked at feed waste and feed site for forage production. One of the types of feeding was field bale grazing.

Increased dry matter yield (DMY) was observed on all treatment areas compared to the control site. Where cows were winter fed on either bale graze or bale process sites, DMY were 2.3 to 3.0 times greater compared to the control areas, respectively. Pasture growth was significantly greater where cattle were wintered compared to sites receiving manure spread through equipment. There was a similar trend observed for DMY in the second year after winter-feeding.

Where cows were fed on either bale graze or bale process sites, DMY was three to four times greater compared to the control areas, respectively. Where manure was applied as either compost or solid, DMY was similar to control plots. This would suggest that the significant concentration of nutrients deposited by the animals had a carry over effect on subsequent pasture production in the following years. Pasture growth was concentrated either where bales were placed or where processed feed was placed on the cattle wintering sites. However, by the second year after wintering cows on these sites grass growth appeared more evenly distributed.

The Scoop on Poop University of Manitoba soil scientist, Don Flaten has done work on manure recycling. He comments, “Every tonne of alfalfa hay represents 60 pounds (27 kg) of nitrogen, 12 pounds (6 kg) of phosphate, 60 pounds (27 kg) of potash and six pounds (3 kg) of sulfur. That’s about $55 worth of nutrients per tonne from a fertilizer standpoint. In terms of feeding practices, 80% or about $40 worth is going to be deposited where the bale is fed. Grass hay is about $35/tonne.”

16

Land & Livestock

January / February 2010

Information from Katherine Buckley with Agri-Food Canada, Brandon, Manitoba says that a 1,400-pound (636-kg) cow excretes 22,880-29,480 pounds (10,400-13,400 kg) of manure/year. If we use a 150-day winter feeding period that would be 9,403-12,115 pounds (4,274 – 5,507 kg) applied. Broken down to nutrients this works out to 55-73 pounds (25–33 kg) of nitrogen; 19-41 pounds (8.6–18.5 kg) of phosphorus and 26-46 pounds (12–21 kg) of potassium.

The value of manure would be: Nitrogen – 30 kg x $1.35/kg = $40.50/cow/150 days Phosphorus – 13.5 kg x $1.17/kg = $15.80/cow/150 days With some other nutrients this equals $56.30/cow/150 days or $.375/cow/day. Above prices were based on Agricore United information in August 2007 at $500/tonne.

These calculations do not take into account that there is no handling cost when the manure is deposited directly out on the land by the cow. The increase in the price of fertilizer has significantly increased the manure value.

One problem that surfaced was the issue of twine on the bales. This is not a problem with sisal, as it breaks down, but plastic does not. Some cut and remove the twine as the bales are consumed. We have discovered that leaving the twines on helps to control the number of bales the cattle have access to.

The twine is then picked up the following summer. We try to involve the kids in this project.

Another positive result is how bale grazing hay works in our operation as we focus on converting solar energy through forages and ruminants. Carbon sequestering through building organic matter is also a favorable result that is becoming more prominent as a solution to the global climate issues.

Bale grazing has been a way in which we can significantly enhance organic matter, biodiversity, and overall health of the land as well as improve forage production. One of the most important things we have learned in Holistic Management is that every operation is unique and there are not blanket solutions that work for everyone. The testing questions helped us to determine it was something we could incorporate into our management, given our circumstances. To this point the results have been most favorable.

Kelly Sidoryk is a Certified Educator from Lloydminster, Alberta. She can be reached at: sidorykk@yahoo.ca

Financial Planning review the list and implement some of them as the year progresses.

We completed our financial plan for 09/10. We plan to maintain our cow numbers and may increase somewhat if feed is available. Our plan shows a small profit, our quality of life is maintained and likely improved, and our land will be healthier and more productive this time next year. We are proceeding with confidence. We will monitor this plan monthly and have 12 opportunities to know that we are on target.

Our year started on September 1st.

We sold our yearling steers in September so we knew in the first month how close our income projections were. This is very helpful as we were able to plan real income against projected expenses, & had 11 months to correct any deviations from plan. The yearling heifers will be sold in November, again early in our fiscal year.

The point I want to make is: Financial Planning works!

We are using this powerful tool. I know many of you are also. I am completely confident that we would all benefit from a proper financial plan. It has the ability to give you

Getting It Done

continued from page eleven confidence and peace of mind. The more time and effort you put into planning, the greater the benefits will be. What steps or commitment do you need to take so that you can reap the benefits of financial planning? I urge you to take action.

Start today!

Our holisticgoal tells us the kind of future we desire. Our human creativity and the tools of

continued from page six

instrumental in making the change from having a J-L staff member doing our books to having Brenda manage all of our monthly bookkeeping needs. It has sure made my job, as the ranch manager, a lot easier. The monthly financial data is provided in a timely manner and concisely reported for decision making purposes.

“We have been able to streamline our accounting processes and make our financial data much more accurate. Because our ranch enterprises include a cow/calf and yearling operation, custom grazing, grass finishing and marketing beef and a diversified guest program, our accounting system is quite complex. We struggled for years with producing accurate data from which to make management decisions. QuickBooks budgeting program is cumbersome and, in our scenario, did not match up well with the Holistic Management budget worksheets. With Roland and Brenda’s assistance, we are totally revamping the accounting system, streamlining the process, and have already cut our accounting costs and are now extremely confident in financial data that is provided.”

Travis Krein from the Broken Arrow Ranch reports that having Brenda Kroos do their bookkeeping was the best decision they made this year. “With my wife expecting our fourth child, she could no longer take care of the other three children, do the bookkeeping, and help me with the day to day ranch

financial planning and planned grazing help us create that future. All that is required is motivation and discipline. I believe you can do better, I know we are doing better and are going to continue to do better each year.

Don Campbell is a Certified Educator from Meadow Lake, Saskatechewan, Canada. He can be reached at: doncampbell@sasktel.net.

chores. The bookkeeping seemed to be getting further and further behind every month, so we hired Brenda to take over.

“I am big picture thinker constantly looking for opportunities for our ranch business to capitalize on. So, in order to make good decisions, I must know where the ranch is at financially. I find Brenda is providing me with up to date financial figures and helping me accurately monitor income and/or expenses that may be adverse to plan. Just this fall I was able to capitalize on several opportunities with confidence. I also have found that my relationship with my wife has greatly improved. We no longer have arguments over money.

As bookkeeper she felt responsible when financial numbers were not going as planned. Today we have healthy discussions about where we are and where we want to go. By freeing up my time and creativity, what I have invested in hiring Brenda to be our bookkeeper, I have made back by making much better decisions.”

If after several years you are still not doing the Financial Planning as needed to make your ranch profitable, stop making excuses. Just get it done!

If no one on your ranch team enjoys doing the financial monitoring and control, then it is time to expand your team to include a bookkeeper and/or CFO. Roland Kroos is a Holistic Management® Certified Educator. He can be reached at: kroosing@msn.com or 406/522-3862. Ripples from the Zambezi: Passion, Entrepreneurship, and the Rebirth of Local Economies by Ernesto Sirolli is a great addition to your library.

Number 129

IN PRACTICE

17

BOOK REVIEW

by Owen Hablutzel

Resilience Thinking: Sustaining Ecosystems and People in a Changing World

By Brian Walker and David Salt Island Press—2006 174 pages When is the last time you were surprised? It might have been something new and unexpected in the garden, in the pasture, or on the balance sheets. Given the unpredictable nature of wholes—from cells, to bodies, to farms, societies and nature—chances are surprise and unexpected change happens quite frequently. If this is true at the home, ranch or business scale, it is all the more so at the regional, national, and global scales in today’s always changing, interconnected world.

In this shifting environment Resilience— defined in Resilience Thinking as the capacity of a system to absorb change while still maintaining its basic structure and function— becomes increasingly important. This essential ability enables systems—ecological and social— to continue providing the goods and services we value regardless of inevitable surprises. As the book notes, the more resilient a ranch, business, or ecosystem, the more flexible and open it is to multiple options or uses, and the more forgiving of management mistakes.

Resilience Thinking (a slim volume from Island Press) introduces the reader to a partly philosophical and partly practical, holistic systems framework. Resilience concepts are explained clearly and concisely, and offer a variety of important insights for a sustainable future.

Managers and policy groups will find well developed analytical tools and practical strategies for increasing resilience in the wholes they manage. Included along the way are regional, resilience, case-studies from around the globe— stories about encroaching salinity in an Australian Catchment system, policy in the Florida Everglades, coral reef stability in the Caribbean, lakes in Wisconsin, and land use in Sweden.

For those already managing holistically Resilience Thinking will integrate well and may add an additional source of creative “juice” in your evolving practice by way of its fresh insights, emerging and effective ecological understanding, as well as novel analytical tools and management approaches to improve flexibility, diversity, and the 18

IN PRACTICE

odds of long-term success.

For anyone still trying to manage using reductionist, “command-and-control” strategies, this book could represent a paradigm shift not unlike that experienced when reading Holistic Management: A New Framework for Decision Making.

Some key insights from this book: Change Happens! Ignoring or resisting the element of change and surprise increases risks and vulnerabilities. Resilience Thinking explains why the more a system is managed for one factor alone—like “maximum yield,” typically a monocultural, change-resisting strategy—the more that system’s resilience is diminished. Conversely, the authors articulate precisely how and why change increases resilience, and how to work with it.

Systems have multiple stable states. A classic example of alternative stable states in brittle environments is grassland versus a shrubdominated system. Both states are in fact stable, but they are otherwise quite different states—with different productivities, different responses to disturbance, different effects on all ecosystem processes, and presenting different options and limitations to managers and users.

Between stable states are thresholds that can be crossed. A system can shift quickly from one stable state into another, often with unwelcome surprises (grass to shrubs). The more diminished the resilience of a system, the closer that system is to a threshold and the more likely it is to cross that threshold into an undesired state. The closer to threshold, the smaller the disturbance needed to precipitate a, usually rapid, transition to an alternative stable state. Think “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Once a threshold is crossed, it becomes far more difficult to manage the system back to its previous and often more desirable (depending on goals) stable state. Think HumptyDumpty.

Cross-Scale interactions are very important to how the whole system operates. Interactions across scales affect the entire system. A policy or legislative decision at the state scale can affect a policy or operations decision at the ranch scale.

Think Noxious Weeds. Likewise, if enough land holders in a watershed adopt a more holistic or resilient management model those actions and their cumulative positive effects have improved potential to link with scales beyond that region, and trigger changes in practice and policy for a much wider area.

In Holistic Management an example of this interaction can be seen in the relationship between the whole under management and the future

January / February 2010

resource base. This is usually a cross-scale—or whole-within-a whole—relationship. What happens in our personal whole affects the whole future resource base and vice versa.

Change happens in an Adaptive Cycle. This is among the more novel and potentially useful insights of this framework. Not only does “change happen,” but it tends to occur in a specific cycle called the Adaptive Cycle, which typically has four phases.

1. Rapid Growth phase. In a recently burned patch of grassland this phase could be the explosive re-growth that may follow, characterized by pioneer plants and organisms.

2. Conservation phase. In our re-grown grass patch we would see later successional species, leading to a more mature “climax” system.

3. Release phase. This follows and is often a very rapid phase. A disturbance, perhaps a new fire sweeps through the now overgrown, matured grassland patch (or maybe it is mob-grazed this time). The fire (or mobbing) unlocks and releases the nutrient and biomass that was built up during the Rapid Growth and Conservation phases, freeing these materials for new assignments the next phase of the cycle.

4. Re-Organization. During ReOrganization phase chance events and changes often play the largest role in defining the system’s new trajectory. This could be determined by which new seeds, fungi, or organisms happen to get a foothold first. Once this foothold is established, the Adaptive Cycle begins again, with a new Rapid Growth phase.

Understanding the basic dynamics of this cycle provides insight into how and why systems change, as well as where and when different management options would and would not be likely to work.

Much like knowing where your whole lies on the brittleness scale is the key to understanding what responses to expect when applying tools of grazing, animal impact, and rest, knowing what phase of the Adaptive Cycle a system is currently in, and how the system’s resilience and responses will vary in accordance with those phases is, likewise, useful knowledge for management decisions.

Managing for resilience does not require a fancy degree in science. A basic and general understanding of the essential concepts elaborated in the book is plenty to begin using the resilience perspective in planning, monitoring and management.

So how resilient is your whole? This short introduction to thinking resiliently gives you the tools to decide. In these times of rapidly decreasing regional and global resilience, Resilience Thinking is a valuable addition to the library and toolbox of holistic managers and policy folk everywhere.

UNITED STATES

Certified Educators

Paul Swanson 5155 West 12th St., Hastings, NE 68901 402/463-8507 swanson@inebraska.com

To our knowledge, Certified Educators are the best qualified individuals to help others learn to practice Holistic Management and to provide them with technical assistance when necessary. On a yearly basis, Certified Educators renew their agreement to be affiliated with HMI. This agreement requires their commitment to practice Holistic Management in their own lives, to seek out opportunities for staying current ◆ These educators provide with the latest developments in Holistic Management and to Holistic Management maintain a high standard of ethical conduct in their work. instruction on behalf of the For more information about or application forms for the HMI’s Certified Educator Training Programs, contact Ann Adams or visit our website at: www.holisticmanagement.org.

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO Joel Benson P.O. Box 4924, Buena Vista, CO 81211 719/395-6119 • joel@outburstllc.com Cindy Dvergsten 17702 County Rd. 23, Dolores, CO 81323 970/882-4222 hminfo@wholenewconcepts.com Daniela and Jim Howell P.O. Box 67, Cimarron, CO 81220-0067 970/249-0353 • howelljd@montrose.net Byron Shelton 33900 Surrey Lane, Buena Vista, CO 81211 719/395-8157 • landmark@my.amigo.net Tom Walther P.O. Box 1158 Longmont, CO 80502-1158 510/499-7479 • tagjag@aol.com GEORGIA Constance Neely 1421 Rockinwood Dr., Athens, GA 30606 706/540-2878 • clneely@earthlink.net IOWA ◆ Margaret Smith

Iowa State University, CES Sustainable Agriculture 972 110th St., Hampton, IA 50441-7578 515/294-0887 • mrgsmith@iastate.edu

◆ Seth Wilner

24 Main Street, Newport, NH 03773 603/863-4497 (h) 603/863-9200 (w) seth.wilner@unh.edu

R. H. (Dick) Richardson University of Texas at Austin Section of Integrative Biology School of Biological Sciences Austin, TX 78712 • 512/471-4128 d.richardson@mail.utexas.edu

institutions they represent. associate educators * These provide educational services to their communities and peer groups.

UNITED STATES

Bill Burrows 12250 Colyear Springs Road Red Bluff, CA 96080 530/529-1535 • 530/200-2419 (c) sunflowercrmp@msn.com Richard King 1675 Adobe Rd. Petaluma, CA 94954 707/769-1490 707/794-8692(w) richard.king@ca.usda.gov * Kelly Mulville P.O Box 323, Valley Ford, CA 94972-0323 707/431-8060; 707/876-3592 jackofallterrains@hotmail.com ◆ Rob Rutherford CA Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 805/756-1475 rrutherf@calpoly.edu

NEW HAMPSHIRE

TEXAS Chandler McLay P.O. Box 1796, Glen Rose, TX 76043 303/888-8799 • mclay90@gmail.com

LOUISIANA Tina Pilione 201 Lana Loop, Church Point, LA 70525-5538 phone: 337/580-0068 tina@tinapilione.com MAINE

* Vivianne Holmes

239 E. Buckfield Rd. Buckfield, ME 04220-4209 207/336-2484 vholmes@umext.maine.edu MICHIGAN

* Ben Bartlett N4632 ET Road, Traunik, MI 49891 906/439-5210 (h) • 906/439-5880 (w) bartle18@msu.edu * Larry Dyer 1113 Klondike Ave Petoskey, MI 49770-3233 231/439-8982 (w) 231/347-7162 (h) dyerlawr@msu.edu MONTANA Wayne Burleson 322 N. Stillwater Rd., Absarokee, MT 59001 406/328-6808; rutbuster@montana.net Roland Kroos 4926 Itana Circle Bozeman, MT 59715 406/522-3862 kroosing@msn.com * Cliff Montagne P.O. Box 173120 Montana State University Department of Land Resources & Environmental Science Bozeman, MT 59717 406/994-5079 montagne@montana.edu NEBRASKA Terry Gompert P.O. Box 45 Center, NE 68724-0045 402/288-5611 (w) tgompert1@unl.edu

NEW MEXICO ◆ Ann Adams

Holistic Management International 1010 Tijeras NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 505/842-5252 anna@holisticmanagement.org Kelly Boney 4865 Quay Road L, San Jon, NM 88434 575/760-7636 • kboney@plateautel.net Kirk Gadzia P.O. Box 1100, Bernalillo, NM 87004 505/867-4685, (f) 505/867-9952 kgadzia@msn.com NEW YORK Phil Metzger 99 N. Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815 607/334-3231 x4 (w) • 607/334-2407 (h) phil.metzger@ny.usda.gov John Thurgood 15 Farone Dr., Apt. E26 Oneonta, NY 13820-1331 607/643-2804 jthurgood@stny.rr.com NORTH DAKOTA Wayne Berry 1611 11th Ave. West Williston, ND 58801 701/572-9183 • wberry@wil.midco.net

WASHINGTON Craig Madsen P.O. Box 107, Edwall, WA 99008 509/236-2451 • Madsen2fir@gotsky.com Sandra Matheson 228 E. Smith Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226 360/398-7866 • mathesonsm@verizon.net Doug Warnock 1880 SE Larch Ave., College Place, WA 99324 509/540-5771 • 509/856-7101 (c) dwarnock@charter.net WISCONSIN Andy Hager W. 3597 Pine Ave., Stetsonville, WI 54480-9559 715/678-2465 Larry Johnson W886 State Rd. 92, Brooklyn, WI 53521 608/455-1685 lpjohn@rconnect.com * Laura Paine Wisconsin DATCP N893 Kranz Rd., Columbus, WI 53925 608/224-5120 (w) • 920/623-4407 (h) laura.paine@datcp.state.wi.us

OREGON Jeff Goebel 52 NW Mcleay Blvd. • Portland, OR 97210 541/610-7084 • goebel@aboutlistening.com Andrea & Tony Malmberg 1782 South Main, Union, OR 97883 541/663-6630 (c) • Andrea@LifeEnergy.us Tony@LifeEnergy.us PENNSYLVANIA Jim Weaver 428 Copp Hollow Rd. Wellsboro, PA 16901-8976 570/724-7788 • jaweaver@epix.net TEXAS Christina Allday-Bondy 2703 Grennock Dr., Austin, TX 78745 512/441-2019 • tododia@sbcglobal.net Guy Glosson 6717 Hwy. 380, Snyder, TX 79549 806/237-2554 glosson@caprock-spur.com Peggy Maddox P.O. Box 694, Ozona, TX 76943-0694 325/392-2292 westgift@hughes.net

INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA Judi Earl 73 Harding E., Guyra, NSW 2365 61-2-6779-2286 judi@holisticmanagement.org.au Mark Gardner P.O. Box 1395, Dubbo, NSW 2830 61-2-6884-4401 mark.gardner@vbs.net.au Paul Griffiths P.O. Box 3045, North Turramura, NSW 2074, Sydney, NSW 61-2-9144-3975 • pgpres@geko.net.au George Gundry Willeroo, Tarago, NSW 2580 61-2-4844-6223 • ggundry@bigpond.net.au Graeme Hand 150 Caroona Lane, Branxholme, VIC 3302 61-3-5578-6272 (h) • 61-4-1853-2130 (c) graeme.hand@bigpond.com Helen Lewis P.O. Box 1263, Warwick, QLD 4370 61-7-46617393 • 61-7-46670835 helen@insideoutsidemgt.com.au

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INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA Brian Marshall P.O. Box 300, Guyra NSW 2365 61-2-6779-1927 • fax: 61-2-6779-1947 bkmrshl@bigpond.com Bruce Ward P.O. Box 103, Milsons Pt., NSW 1565 61-2-9929-5568 • fax: 61-2-9929-5569 blward@the-farm-business-gym.com Brian Wehlburg Kindee, NSW •61-02-6587-4353

Jason Virtue Mary River Park 1588 Bruce Hwy. South; Gympie, QLD 4570 61-7-5483-5155; Jason@spiderweb.com.au CANADA Don Campbell Box 817 Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1Y6 306/236-6088; doncampbell@sasktel.net Blain Hjertaas Box 760, Redvers, Saskatchewan SOC 2HO 306/452-3882; bhjer@sasktel.net

Len Pigott Box 222, Dysart, SK, SOH 1HO 306/432-4583; JLPigott@sasktel.net Kelly Sidoryk P.O. Box 374, Lloydminster, AB S9V 0Y4 780/875-9806 (h); 780/875-4418 (c) sidorykk@yahoo.ca KENYA Richard Hatfield P.O. Box 10091-00100, Nairobi 254-0723-506-331; rhatfield@obufield.com

Florida Grazing Event Holistic Management Principles of Success: Healthy Land, Sustainable Future March 17-18, 2010 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily Extension Office, 507 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, Florida A two-day Holistic Management class will be team taught by Joshua Dukart and Terry Gompert.

What to expect to learn: • Holistic Management Concepts • The 4 Key Insights • Decision Making • Ecosystem Processes

Terry Gompert of Center, Nebraska

Grazing Seminar & Steak Dinner Friday, March 19, 2010 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

University of Florida Extension Office 507 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, Florida

Terry is an UNL Extension Educator with a focus on grazing education. He is also a cow/calf producer who loves low-cost techniques and a functional cow. He is a Holistic Management® Certified Educator—teaching its principles around the Americas. He likes to think of himself as an “orchestrator” of holistic management and grazing education. His to-the-point, energetic presentation will make the event enjoyable.

Videos and cameras are welcome.

9:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

12:00 noon 1:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

• How to Meet Your Management Challenge Effectively • How to Address Key Environmental Issues Effectively

• Testing & Management Guidelines • Planning Procedures • Feedback Loop • How Holistic Management Can Enhance Your Success

Registration and Coffee Florida Holistic Grazing - Ino Velazquez Holistic Grazing - Terry Gompert Lunch Mob Grazing - Neil Dennis Cocktail Mixes to Enhance Soil Health - Joshua Dukart Dung Beetles & More - George Wagner Steak Dinner

Speakers Include: Ino Velazquez of Zolfo Springs, Florida Ino has spent five years of hard work in establishing new grasses and legumes and dividing the land into small paddocks so that Holistic Grazing Management can be practiced. This allows the rotation of cattle on a daily basis so they are continually moved to fresh, new pastures. He has developed a herd of Murray Grey and Devon cattle which are known for their genetic ability to convert grass into high quality beef. He utilizes NO antibiotics or growth promoters and the cattle care raised solely on grass. There are NO chemicals used on the land.

The land is healing and stocking rate is greatly increasing. Grass is now tall, diverse, and abundant.

Velper Ranch Tour & Walk Saturday, March 20, 2010 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

6933 Bethea Rd Zolfo Springs, Florida Learn the hows and whys of Holistic Management and High Stock Density Grazing.

What you will see and do: ! Monitoring Demonstration ! High Stock Density Daily Moves ! Purely Grassfed from Birth to Finish ! Holistically Managed, No Chemicals on Animals or Soil ! Walk About with Terry Gompert and Neil Dennis ! Cuban Style Pig Dinner Bring your own lawn chairs and clothing for all weather conditions. Videos and cameras welcome.

Neil Dennis of Wawota, SASK, Canada Neil is an experienced mob grazier who loves to experiment and perfect methods of moving cattle. He is a highly sought after international speaker who relates very well with producers around the world. His humor and energy are contagious and entertaining. Come hear his stories!

Joshua Dukart of Bismarck, North Dakota Joshua is a practitioner and facilitator of holistic management through the Burleigh County SCD and ND Grazing Lands Coalition. His ranching background provides hands-on experience in the integration of grazing and cropping enterprises. He has extensive experience brewing cover crop cocktails to enhance soil health and improve the land. His combination of enthusiasm and deep thinking will challenge your paradigms.

George Wagner of Winnetoon, Nebraska George is an “observant rancher” who grazes goats yearround and really understands the mineral cycle. He also custom grazes cattle. He holistically manages for dung beetles and wildlife.

Registration Costs or More Information Florida Grazing Event Pre-registration discount by March 1, 2010 Before Mar 1 After Mar 1 HM Class $250.00 $250.00 Seminar $100.00 $150.00 Extra Dinner/Feast $ 20.00 $20.00 Tour $100.00 $150.00 BEST BUY $350.00 (for all events before March 1) Note: The cost for the second member of the family attending any event will be 25% of the cost.

Contact information for registration or ranch: UNL Extension in Knox Co. Velper Ranch Co. P.O. Box 45 Grass Fed Beef Center, NE, 68724 www.velperranch.com email - knox-county@unl.edu 863-735-0758 or phone - 402-288-5611 305-323-1844 Directions and details will be sent after registration is received.

Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.

20

IN PRACTICE

January / February 2010

Christine C. Jost International Livestock Research Institute Box 30709, Nairobi 00100 254-20-422-3000; 254-736-715-417 (c) c.jost@cgiar.org Belinda Low P.O. Box 15109, Langata, Nairobi 254-727-288-039; belinda@grevyszebratrust.org MEXICO Arturo Mora Benitez San Juan Bosco 169 Fracc., La Misión, Celaya, Guanajuato 38016 52-461-615-7632 • jams@prodigy.net.mx Elco Blanco-Madrid Hacienda de la Luz 1803, Fracc. Haciendas del Valle II, Chihuahua, Chih 31238 52/614-423-4413 (h) • 52/614-415-0176 (f) elco_blanco@hotmail.com Ivan A. Aguirre Ibarra P.O. Box 304, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000 52-1-662-281-0990 (from U.S.) 51-1-662-281-0901 Rancho_inmaculada@yahoo.com.mx NAMIBIA Usiel Kandjii P.O. Box 23319, Windhoek 264-61-205-2324; kandjiiu@gmail.com Colin Nott P.O. Box 11977, Windhoek 264/61-225085 (h) 264/81-2418778 canott@iafrica.com.na Wiebke Volkmann P.O. Box 9285, Windhoek 264-61-225183 or 264-81-127-0081 wiebke@mweb.com.na NEW ZEALAND John King P.O. Box 12011, Beckenham, Christchurch 8242 64-276-737-885; succession@clear.net.nz SOUTH AFRICA Wayne Knight P.O. Box 537, Mokopane 0600 theknights@mweb.co.za Jozua Lambrechts P.O. Box 5070, Helderberg, Somerset West, Western Cape 7135 27-21-851-5669; 27-21-851-2430 (w) jozua@websurf.co.za SOUTH AFRICA Ian Mitchell-Innes P.O. Box 52, Elandslaagte 2900 27-36-421-1747; blanerne@mweb.co.za Dick Richardson P.O. Box 1853, Vryburg 8600 tel/fx: 27-082-934-6139; Dickson@wam.co.za UNITED KINGDOM Philip Bubb 32 Dart Close, St. Ives, Cambridge, PE27 3JB 44-1480-496-2925 (h); 44-7837-405483 (w) philipbubb@onetel.com ZIMBABWE Sunny Moyo Africa Centre for Holistic Management P. Bag 5950, Victoria Falls; smoyo@achmonline.org; 263-13-42199 (w) John Nyilika Private Bag 5950, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 263-0-13-42199; hmtrain@africaonline.co.zw

T H E

Optional Vineyard Tour!

M A R K E T P L A C E

EVALUATING SOIL FERTILITY FOR WINEGRAPES Embassy Suites Napa Valley February 15-17, 2010 Napa, Calif.

T

his workshop utilizes 100 actual soil tests taken for numerous wineries and vineyards from many wine-growing areas. Using the Albrecht Method, nutrient requirements are determined with a specific formula.

Each formula is explained by subject covered in this workshop.

$1,500/person (INCLUDES: PROGRAM, LUNCH, BREAKFAST, AND ACCOMMODATIONS AT EMBASSY SUITES)

WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARD ORDERS (VISA, MC)

For consulting or educational services contact:

Kinsey Agricultural Services, Inc. 297 County Highway 357 Charleston, Missouri 63834

Ph: 573/683-3880, Fax: 573/683-6227 Email: neal@kinseyag.com

We of fer numerous models including bat ter y, electric and solar units (from up to 120 miles) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all of which are equ with digital control, built-in lightning protection and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Power on Demand.â&#x20AC;?

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10

Number 129

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T H E

M A R K E T P L A C E Resource Management Services, LLC

CORRAL DESIGNS

Kirk L. Gadzia, Certified Educator PO Box 1100 Pasture Bernalillo, NM 87004 Scene 505-263-8677 Investigation

The Business of Ranching

kgadzia@msn.com

• On-Site, Custom Courses • Holistic Business Planning • Ranchers Business Forum • Creating Change thru Grazing Planning and Land Monitoring

Roland R.H. Kroos (406) 522.3862 • Cell: 581.3038 Email: kroosing@msn.com

By World Famous Dr. Grandin Originator of Curved Ranch Corrals The wide curved Lane makes filling the crowding tub easy.

GRANDIN LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS 2918 Silver Plume Dr., Unit C-3 Fort Collins, CO 80526

Join Our Distance Learning Program Apply What You Learn As You Learn With Our Hands On Approach, Step

by Step Workbook And Personalized Mentoring. Enjoy Flexible Scheduling.

Choose to Work Independently or In Small Groups. Get Started Now.

Realize Immediate Benefits Find More Details On The Web at www.wholenewconcepts.com

By Phone at 970-882-4222 or e-mail us at requests@wholenewconcepts.com

Offered By Whole New Concepts, LLC P.O. Box 218 Lewis CO 81327 USA

Cindy Dvergsten, a Holistic Management® Certified Educator, has 12 years experience in personal practice, training & facilitation of Holistic Management, and 25 years experience in resource management & agriculture.

She offers customized solutions to family farms & ranches, communities and organizations worldwide.

IN PRACTICE

Pueblo Colorado Community College Pueblo, Colorado

January / February 2010

,ŽůŝƐƟ Đ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ 'ƌĂnjŝŶŐ WůĂŶŶŝŶŐ &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů WůĂŶŶŝŶŐ >ĂŶĚ WůĂŶŶŝŶŐ

Remember, profitable agriculture is not about harder work.... It is about making better decisions!

970/229-0703 www.grandin.com

Start Using Holistic Management Today!

22

February 15-20, 2010

Includes detailed drawings for loading ramp, V chute, round crowd pen, dip vat, gates and hinges. Plus cell center layouts and layouts compatible with electronic sorting systems. Articles on cattle behavior. 27 corral layouts. $55.

Low Stress Cattle Handling Video $59.

Send checks/money order to:

4926 Itana Circle • Bozeman, MT 59715

Stay At Home – All You Need Is A Phone

Holistic Management Comprehensive Training

For more information and registration, visit our new website:

www.resourcemanagementservices.com

Western Canadian Holistic Management Conference February 8-10,

2010 SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS INCLUDE: John Ikerd Terry Gompert Pam Iwanchysko Don Campbell Ann Adams Blain Hjertaas Tony & Fran McQuail Kelly Sidoryk Allison Guichon Brian Luce Ralph & Linda Corcoran

RUSSELL, MANITOBA

Save the Date!

TOPICS INCLUDE: Finding Purpose in Peril, Building a New Economy, Profitable Farming, Cropping and Land Management, Financial Management,

. . . AND MORE! For more information, call 206/622-2006 or go to www.mbforagecouncil.mb.ca Online registration will begin December 1, 2009.

T H E

New & Updated!

M A R K E T P L A C E

HMI FINANCIAL PLANNING SOFTWARE

• Userfriendly Database interface (like Quicken or Quickbooks) • Independent Software (doesn’t require Excel Low and works on Macs with DOS interface) Introductory • Customizable reports that can be saved as PDF, Excel or Word Price of $149 • Write checks or invoices ($100 less than the • Track Net Worth and Assets easily current software) • Comes with User’s Manual • A planning, management, and accounting software all in one • Agricultural focus including a Livestock Production Worksheet • Track performance of stock classes or enterprises • Easy Gross Profit Analysis interface ($/acre or $/unit options) • Files can be saved and shared on multiple computers TO SEE A DEMO OF THE SOFTWARE GO TO: • Easy backup feature • Categorizes Expenses and track http://holisticmanagement.org/ (investment versus maintenance). store//page8.html • Friendly and knowledgeable Call 505/842-5252 or order online technical support

at www.holisticmanagement.org

WANTED: More Grass

REWARD: Heavier Livestock and Greater Profit Kelly Boney, Certified Educator 4 8 6 5 Q U AY R O A D L SAN JON, NM 88434 575/760-7636 K B O N E Y @ P L AT E A U T E L . N E T

CLASSIFIEDS Livestock

Bulls For Sale Pure bred black Angus, Grass genetics.

Maternal, moderate framed.

Efficient, calving-ease, 8 yearlings and one two-year-old.

Package deal available Call David Sprissler in NM

575/355-9498 Reach International Audience Cost-effective Classifieds Call Ann at

505/842-5252

Number 129

IN PRACTICE

23

healthy land. sustainable future.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ALBUQUERQUE, NM PERMIT NO 880

a publication of Holistic Management International 1010 Tijeras NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 USA return service requested

please send address corrections before moving so that we do not incur unnecessary postal fees

HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT MAIL ORDER EMPORIUM Subscribe to IN PRACTICE

Software

_ A bimonthly journal for Holistic Management practitioners

Holistic Management® Financial Planning (single-user license) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $249 Please specify PC or Mac, Office ‘95 or ‘97, 2000, XP, or 2003 and version of Excel you are using

Subscribe for 1 year for only $35/U.S. ($40/International) 2 years ($65/U.S.; $70/International) 3 years ($95/U.S.; $105/International)

_ Gift Subscriptions (same prices as above). _ Special Edition: An Introduction to Holistic Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5 _ Compact Disk Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14 _ Bulk subscriptions available.

Pocket Cards Holistic Management® Framework & testing questions, March 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4

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One year for $17 each/U.S., or $22 each/International ______ Please indicate number of one-year subscriptions

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_ Back Issues: $5 each; bulk orders (5 or more issues) $3 each. List

_ Introduction to Holistic Management August 2007, 128 pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25

Please indicate issue numbers desired: ___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___,___ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25

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_ Aide Memoire for Grazing Planning

Books & Multimedia

August 2007, 63 pages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17

_ Early Warning Biological Monitoring— Croplands

Holistic Management: A New Framework for Decision-Making,

_ Second Edition, by Allan Savory with Jody Butterfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39 _ Hardcover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 _ 15-set CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99 _ One month rental of CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35 _ Spanish Version (soft). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 _ Holistic Management Handbook, by Butterfield, Bingham, Savory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29 _ At Home With Holistic Management, by Ann Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 _ Holistic Management: A New Environmental Intelligence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 _ Improving Whole Farm Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13 _ Video: Creating a Sustainable Civilization—

April 2000, 26 pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15

_ Early Warning Biological Monitoring—Rangelands and Grasslands August 2007, 59 pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17

_ Land Planning—For The Rancher or Farmer Running Livestock August 2007, 31 pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15

Planning Forms (All forms are padded – 25 sheets per pad) _ Annual Income & Expense Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17 _ Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 7 _ Livestock Production Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17 _ Control Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 5 _ Grazing Plan & Control Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17

An Introduction to Holistic Decision-Making, based on a lecture given

by Allan Savory. (VHS/DVD/PAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 Stockmanship, by Steve Cote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35

_ _ The Grassfed Gourmet Cookbook, by Shannon Hayes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 _ The Oglin, by Dick Richardson & Rio de la Vista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 _ Gardeners of Eden, by Dan Dagget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 _ Video: Healing the Land Through Multi-Species Grazing (VHS/DVD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 TO ORDER

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