#132 In Practice, JUL/AUG 2010

healthy land. sustainable future.

JULY / AUGUST 2010

NUMBER 132

WWW.HOLISTICMANAGEMENT.ORG

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Why Are Holistic Managers Such a Happy Lot?

OIL & GAS RECLAMATION

by Peggy Cole

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cience has finally delved into researching what makes us happy—a welcome change from psychology’s history of focusing on our pathologies. Recent articles in a variety of popular magazines— Time, Discover, Science Now, Smithsonian, Wired, Home, Christianity Today—as well as an explosion of books on the topic, offer relief from suffering and potential paths to happiness.

Science has looked to ancient philosophies to define happiness as both “human flourishing” (ancient Greeks) and “cessation of suffering” (Eastern philosophies), agreeing that happiness is not transient pleasure, but rather a deep sense of serenity and fulfillment.

Scientists have determined that 50 % of our happiness is genetic, 10% circumstantial and 40% in our hands to cultivate. One of the leading researchers on happiness is Ed Diener at the University of Illinois. His list of important things science has learned about happiness includes “Enduring happiness comes not from running the hedonic treadmill but from working for goals that are consistent with our cherished values.”

Sound familiar?

Sonja Lyubomirsky’s research at the University of California has shown that happiness levels rise immediately after a positive change and dip after a negative change but return to the baseline levels of happiness people experienced before the change. Once our security needs are met, more material wealth does not increase happiness in an enduring way. More wealth or more beauty does not equal more happiness. “It is ongoing intentional activities that make a sustainable difference.”

A Pew Research Global Attitudes Survey indicates the happiest people in the world live in Canada and the United States, while a Harvard Medical School study on depression lists the U.S. number one of the 14 countries studied. Bhutan is a country determined to make happiness part of its quality of life. “The dogma of limitless productivity and growth in a finite world is unsustainable and unfair for future generations,” says Bhutan’s Prime Minister Jigme Thinley. His country’s “Gross National Happiness (GNH) Policy” includes an emphasis on four guiding principles: promotion of equitable and sustainable socioeconomic development; preservation and promotion of cultural values; conservation of the environment; and good governance. GNH principles are now being implemented in Brazil, India, Haiti, and France.

A vital component to sustainable happiness is our relationship to the natural world, according to a number of studies at the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan. People walking in and viewing scenes of Nature show significant improvement in memory and attention tasks compared with participants who walked downtown and viewed photos of city life. More studies at the University of California explore Nature’s power to elicit the transformative effects of awe, another form of happiness. “A Darwinian study of awe,” writes Professor Dacher Keltner, “is documenting the physiological underpinnings of our capacity to devote ourselves to the collective…[Awe] transforms self-representation from that which separates to that which unites.”

Holistic Managers have goals based on their deepest values, ongoing intentional activities, spending time in nature, and collaborating with others—the components of happiness. So grin; you deserve it.

Oil and gas drilling can cause a great deal of soil disturbance. Good policy, project management, and reclamation work on these landscapes is key to reducing the environmental impact in this industry. Don Schreiber and Tracy Favre write about their experience working in the oil and gas industry to make a positive difference on the land.

To learn more, turn to page 2.

FEATURE STORIES The Open Space Pilot Project— Memo To OSPP: Grow Up! DON SCHREIBER AND TRACY FAVRE . . . . . . . . .2

Lusk HM in Motion Council—A New Approach to Facilitated Management Clubs ROLAND KROOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Holistic Financial Planning— A Methodical System for Profitable Results CARRIE NELSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

LAND and LIVESTOCK Is Your Grazing Planned Grazing?

BEN BARTLETT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Using the Tool of Animal Impact to Rejuvenate a Paddock—Experimenting with Stock Density and Herd Effect BRIAN LUCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Holistic Management Testing Questions— A Simple Approach ERICA FRENAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

A Blessed Revolution— The Carbon Economy Course Series OWEN HABLUTZEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

NEWS and NETWORK From the CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Texas Regional Office Report . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Development Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Certified Educators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

healthy land. sustainable future.

The Open Space Pilot Project— Memo To OSPP: Grow Up!

by Don Schreiber and Tracy Favre

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 Amy Normand . . . . . . . . . . . Regional Director, Texas Donna Torrez . . . . . . . . . . . Manager: Administration

& Executive Support Peggy Cole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regional Project Manager, Texas Liz Goulding . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Associate, Texas Mary Girsch-Bock . . . . . Communications Associate Valerie Grubbs . . . . . . . . . Accounting Associate Carrie Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . Education Associate

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ben Bartlett, Chair Ron Chapman, Past Chair Roby Wallace, Vice-Chair John Hackley, Secretary Christopher Peck, Treasurer Sallie Calhoun Lee Dueringer Gail Hammack Ian Mitchell Innes Dennis Wobeser

Mark Gardner Clint Josey Jim McMullan Jim Parker Maryann West

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

HMI was originally founded in 1984 by Allan Savory and Jody Butterfield. They have since left to pursue other ventures.

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IN PRACTICE

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emember how you felt when your kid was in the school play? All that joy and pride; the costume you made using pipe cleaners and duct tape; how you hauled friends and relatives down to the gym, the pictures, the video, the little program you saved.

How everyone agreed with your objective assessment that Junior was wonderful, a real charmer, the next Meryl Streep or Bill Murray.

Chances are, Junior wasn’t and if your little darling was going to have any future on the stage, a lot, a very lot, of work needed to be done.

So Far, So Good So it is with the OSPP, once just a gleam in the eye of Don and Jane Schreiber of Devil’s Spring ranch in northwest New Mexico. The ranch lies at the geographical heart of the San Juan Basin, one of the major natural gas producing fields in the continental U.S. For almost three years, the Schreibers, in partnership with ConocoPhillips and the Bureau of Land Management, have nurtured the OSPP toward its three goals: • To save land by reducing land disturbance through the twinning of wells— using an existing well pad to drill a new well; • To save water by improving existing roads using Bill Zeedyk’s water harvesting designs; • To save soil by regrowth of beneficial vegetative cover.

Goals one and two, saving land and saving water, have largely been accomplished. Nearly 30% of the 44 new wells planned in the Project have been drilled; and about 30% of the 23 miles of roads have been improved using Zeedyk standards. Both ConocoPhillips and BLM remain committed to the Project and full completion of the drilling and road improvements should be complete by 2012. Dollar investment wise, these two components of the plan are 99% of the estimated $35,000,000 Project costs.

Enter the Third Murderer That leaves goal number three, saving soil.

How much of the budget is left to accomplish that goal? Right. Just one percent, or about $352,000.

And here it gets a little tricky. A lot tricky. The $352,000 will have to be raised from some source other than the oil company since they have already met their BLM land reclamation requirement. For you math types it is instantly apparent that the federal reclamation requirement must just be a fraction of that one percent. That

July / August 2010

Animal impact is critical to breaking the capping of the soil on a well pad and to provide an opportunity to hold water and create areas for germination (hoof impression). helps explain why within the OSPP inventory of existing wells, about 100 in total, fully 50% of the land eligible for reclamation is bare ground and another 25% is weeds or woody plants.

The money invested, or lack of it, is probably the biggest reason for the 60 year history of reclamation failure. We all know by now what you call a federal program that demands a certain result without providing for a source of money to do the job—unfunded mandate.

The old “Management by Objective” methods have fallen out of favor because, as our business and social cultures mature, the emphasis has shifted from “Objective” to “Purpose.” In the case of oil and gas impact reclamation, government has lagged behind in that the regulations have objectives, but lack purpose. The objectives outlined by BLM reclamation specifications are clear: a slope of such and such; seed of exactly this mixture, applied at exactly that rate only using these approved seeding techniques; and so forth.

What the regs don’t specify is that any vegetation be grown. That’s right; there is no requirement to grow grass. One state official said it this way, “The BLM requires that specific and discrete reclamation steps be taken, but not that a reclaimed state be achieved.” If, after two years, no vegetation has grown, BLM requires that the same steps be taken again. In other words, repeat what didn’t work. There are no requirements after that. Nature, after a little intervention with some bulldozers and drilling

rigs, is on its own Here’s another reason that the results are so bad: That intervention by the bulldozers and host of heavy equipment takes a very brittle soil, with its fragile connectivity and minimum of soil organic material, and pulverizes it, compacts it, and bakes it. That’s a tall hill to climb when you’re trying to reclaim vegetation when soil amendments and irrigation are never part of the equation. Imagine that you ripped up your lawn with a bulldozer, ran a fleet of the heaviest equipment on the road over it off and on for four months, left it bare for another two or three months, then disked in some seed and stood back.

No sprinklers, no fertilizer. Oh, and remember, your front yard is not in the river valleys typical of housing developments, but in the sandstone bluffs of the San Juan Basin.

Which brings us back to the OSPP third goal: saving land. This goal has no objectives, just a single purpose; grow sustainable beneficial vegetation in a variety of conditions following drilling impacts.

This well pad is an example of the results of conventional reclamation efforts. No vegetation despite multiple efforts to seed suggest that these conventional approaches do not yield the desired results.

This example of a Schreiber revegetation project on a well pad shows that not only have the Schreibers revegetated the pad, the pad (on left) actually has more diversity of species than the surrounding landscape.

Junior Takes The Stage As Edison said, “I know 10,000 ways a light bulb won’t work!” so a variety of land reclamation techniques must be tested and a strict scientific method applied that will establish baselines, conduct experiments, accumulate and publish findings and data, and, hopefully, result in a Holistic Restoration toolkit that will use a combination of conventional reclamation methods coupled with progressive livestock management and grow some grass in a predictable and repeatable way with broad application to surface disturbance from drilling anywhere in the West. While the reclamation aspect of the OSPP represents just a fraction of the costs, it may be the hardest part to accomplish.

Frank Aragona of AgroInnovations, HMI’s Data and Documentation Coordinator, has been working on the OSPP for almost a year, and some of the elements critical to the Holistic Restoration toolkit that Frank sees are: • Site Assessment for the OSPP area for each well site • Restoration Protocol • Holistic Land Planning • Holistic Grazing Plan (if applicable) • Equipment and Infrastructure Planning • Cattle and Livestock Management (if applicable) • Project Management and Site Monitoring

Show Me The Money Under HMI’s guidance and partnership role, these elements have been shaped into a federal budget document known as the Budget Planning

System (BPS) and have officially entered the federal funding request.

The BPS system allows all stakeholders to enter and modify, hopefully improve, the request while the search for qualified funds goes on. So far, OSPP team members have met with BLM Deputy Director Mike Poole and Department of Interior Assistant Deputy Secretary Ned Farquhar, both in Washington, and BLM State Director Linda Rundell in Santa Fe and Farmington District Director Steve Henke in both Santa Fe and Farmington. Team members have also met in Washington with Senator Bingaman and his staff, Senator Udall’s staff, Congressman Ben Ray Lujan and staff, Congressman Harry Teague and staff, as well as Vincent Ward of DOI’s Solicitors Office.

In Santa Fe, New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Jon Goldstein has written a letter of support for funding the OSPP reclamation study saying, in part: “Rio Arriba county, where the Open Space Pilot Project lies,

has made a tremendous contribution of mineral wealth to the state and federal government beginning over 60 years ago and continuing with new drilling today. Funding of the restoration of some of these lands honors that long contribution and will bring a lasting value to both local citizens and those far removed from Western Rio Arriba county and the San Juan Basin.”

In its short life, just over two years, OSPP has made great strides in saving land and water through the twinning of wells and rebuilding of roads. Completing the last task necessary to make the whole, that of saving the soil through sustainable reclamation, may indeed be the hardest. But harken to the old Dutch proverb, “He who is outside his door has the hardest part of his journey behind him.”

To learn more about the OSPP, contact Don at vivarioarriba@gmail.com or Tracy at tfavre@holisticmanagement.org.

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Lusk HM in Motion Council— A New Approach to Facilitated Management Clubs

by Roland Kroos

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n December of 2004 I created a structured follow-up program that guides the application and practice of Holistic Management on a ranch/farm. I structured this program for ranch team members who have already taken a Holistic Management Introductory course. Collectively people from 5-6 ranches would combine to form a business council. Each council member would mentor, coach, and challenge each other to effectively practice Holistic Management in each business. Each council would choose when to meet, where to meet, and what topic it wanted to focus on at each council meeting.

Each business council meeting facilitated by me would be structured and facilitated toward specific outcomes defined by the needs of the respective council members. These council meetings would provide the laboratory for learning, experimentation, and actual application of Holistic Management. As each council member sat through a meeting, they would see the Holistic Management Framework in motion and how it could be used to guide their own businesses. In the council meetings, they would complete the financial and grazing plans for their own operations.

At the beginning of each council meeting, each business was given a specific amount of time to present their operation, their accomplishments (with steps completed in Holistic Management process), and problems to fellow council members. The council expected commitment to the process and held each business accountable for their actions and completion of work agreed.

By the end of 24 months, each business would take definitive steps in the successful practice of Holistic Management. Each business would spell out what steps they’ve taken to be more profitable, improve the health of their land, and what changes they made to improve their quality of life.

The Lusk Council In January 2008 I taught a 4-day introductory Holistic Management course to 22 people in Lusk, Wyoming. It was a successful course with lots of interest and desire to put these concepts into their lives and operations. In February 2008 I followed up with this same group and introduced the HM in Motion program to them. At this follow-up meeting I had 16 people attend representing 10 ranch businesses. Those who did not attend the follow-up were from out of the Lusk area.

At this introductory session, each business participated in an actual council meeting and described their whole under management to fellow council members. They shared some of the concerns, problems, or issues that they are 4

IN PRACTICE

currently facing in managing their ranches.

Then I had each person share what actions they planned to take to implement Holistic Management into their operations and daily lives.

I showed The Art of Possibility DVD and challenged them to commit to the HM in Motion program if they really wanted to implement the Holistic Management concepts in their business.

Six Ranch businesses committed to the first year. These ranches included: Dwight and Shelly Krein of Gunn Ranch; Travis and Katie Krein of Broken Arrow Ranch; Jack & Betty Butler and Ron Hughes of Latigo Ranch; Terry Browder and Mark Groh of Browder Ranch; and Mark and Heidi Sturman of Sturman Ranch.

As a collective whole, the council represents the following Financial Resources: Assets of $5,602,225; Liabilities of $1,141,850; Net Worth: $4,460,375. The Council reports that as a whole their net worth improved $637,145 over the last two years. Of the 5 ranch business represented by this council, one business reported a $15,000 loss, one reported no change, and three businesses reported significant improvements in their financial health over the last two years.

These five ranch businesses operate on and oversee the management 85,400 acres (mostly rangeland) using 5,200 head of livestock.

The Vision behind the Program My vision for the HM in Motion is: • To show that by participating in this program, ranching and farming is a profession that is worthy of the best minds and talents.

• A place where people can be passionate at producing healthy food and create a healthy environment for us all to live in and enjoy.

• A program where we show that ranching or farming can be profitable.

• A place where we hold our heads high and have great pride in our chosen occupation of ranching or farming.

• A program where we encourage our children and grandchildren to pursue a life on the ranch

July / August 2010

or farm, because such a life can: 1. Be rewarding and give us a sense of accomplishment 2. Provide a good living (salaries and benefits) 3. Support and nurture whole families 4. Allow us to enjoy a good lifestyle 5. Allow us to be safe 6. Provide a good career with multiple levels of opportunity and advancement 7. Provide a connection back to the land and an understanding that healthy land needs us 8. Sustain and improve the health of the land and all that lives on it Each of the respective ranches has created a holisticgoal as part of this process. Each operation has used their holisticgoal to test their actions and guide the practice of Holistic Management within their ranch business. Each ranch has shared portions of their holisticgoals for this article.

Structuring Meetings To get the results the council wanted, I needed to structure the meetings to maximize productivity. This is the outline I created.

Creating a Holistic Grazing Plan: May 30–May 2, 2008 Wayne Burleson assisted me with the first day of the council meeting. We discussed and reviewed various grazing strategies with the council members. We challenged and identified any old grazing paradigms that might be remaining regarding rest, overgrazing, planned grazing, and animal impact. We discussed and identified what management guidelines provide direction to the tools of grazing and animal impact including: time, stock density, herd effect, and holistic grazing planning. We allowed them to ask numerous questions and had each ranch create various grazing plans for each ranch that they could share with other council members.

Looking for Deadwood: Understanding How to Complete a Gross Profit Analysis: October 7 & 8, 2008 I explained to the group how to assess the economic health of each enterprise they are involved with. We discussed and reviewed what financial figures they needed to include in a Gross Profit Analysis. Each council member prepared various gross profit analyses (profit trees) and then presented this information back to the whole council. Various council members challenged each other and provided creative alternatives to other business on how they might be able to reduce their costs.

Creating a Profitable Holistic Financial Plan for 2009: November 10-12, 2008 At the end of the October council meeting their homework was to create a draft financial plan for 2009. At this council meeting we reviewed the steps to creating a holistic financial plan. Then each business shared their financial plans with the other council members. I had each business test and challenge their financial plans using the testing questions. The interaction was fantastic and people were unbelievably open with their numbers. I stressed several times that all information must remain confidential and that no one could talk to anyone about these numbers.

The Human Side of Ranching: February 2-4, 2009 I had all of the council member read portions of Allan Nation's book, Knowledge Rich Ranching prior to the council meeting. We talked about and reviewed each ranch's holisticgoal. We looked at how they are managing their time, and I asked each business to create an organizational chart.

We reviewed life’s four stages as articulated in that book and had each council member discuss and identify what stage they were in. I discussed estate planning and had each business share what actions they have taken to conserve their wealth.

Land Health—How Do We Monitor Its Health: June 18-19.

We met on two of the council member ranches and participated in collecting the monitoring data. We reviewed the process: where I should monitor, when I should monitor, why I'm monitoring, and what the data is telling me. How healthy are the ecosystem processes on the land I’m monitoring? What actions do I need to take next year to improve its health?

Commodity Marketing— How To Increase Profitability by Trading Livestock: August 26 -28, 2009 We discussed how cattle are sold. Why we sell them when we do? Why most people only sell once a year and what the consequences are. We discussed how council members can sell cattle more often and how to capitalize on these opportunities and increase their profits.

Making Better Decisions: November 10-12, 2009 We explored how to understand and use the Holistic Management testing questions with confidence. Each business council presented a problem that they wanted to use the testing questions on. I encouraged other council members to ask questions using the testing questions and challenge assumptions which provided really supportive interactions.

Sturman Ranch Holisticgoal • To be able to live and enjoy life, family, and the ranch business free from the constant worry of Debt.

• To have meaningful family time and relationships.

• To maintain and improve our Quality of Life.

• To be able to keep ranch in the family.

• To be able to give back to the community both financially and physically.

• To manage a profitable livestock business that enables us to self finance our operation through the year.

• Manage livestock to produce healthy and productive rangeland that enables us to maximize the harvesting of sunshine. We do this by having very effective water and mineral cycles and great biological diversity.

• To care for the land in a way that shows and gives us a sense of pride and satisfaction.

Dwight and Shelly Krein’s Holisticgoal • To continue to pursue a happy, healthy, rural/ranching lifestyle.

• To have a close relationship with family, especially our children and grandchildren.

• To have ample time and financial ability to travel and also visit family and friends.

• To create opportunities for our children to work on/in the ranch business. With each one (who wants to work in the business) being able to pursue their own individual talents within the business.

• Prepare for the next generation to take over a financially stable, profitable ranch and keep it that way.

• Growth in Christian Faith • Actively support church, community and country.

• Continue to increase our profitability by improving cattle genetics, quality, and production.

• Education—continue to learn (read books, take classes etc.)

• Profitably sell organic, grass-fed beef.

• Improve the health of all the land we manage. (Strive for Excellent Water and Mineral Cycles, Healthy Biological Communities, and Great Energy Flow)

Latigo Ranch Holisticgoal • Remain on ranch until our passion for ranching is gone.

• Explore and find creative ways for the younger generation to continue this ranching operation.

• Manage time effectively so that there is a balance of work, play, and learning.

• Spend time with family.

• We are profitably harvesting grass with livestock.

• Investigate and identify ways that increase the profitability of this ranch.

• Support and continue our Ranchers Business Council.

• Improve the quality, production, and health of the land.

• The land we manage has an effective water and mineral cycle that supports high succession (biological diversity) and high energy flow.

BEHAVE: Behavioral Education for Human, Animals, Vegetation and Ecosystem Management: February 1-3, 2010 I invited Fred Provenza to share his knowledge, observations, and research on BEHAVE. He explained the causes of dietary preference, influences on food and habitat selection and implications for dispersing grazing across landscapes. He talked about palatability, the roles of nutrients and toxins, and implication for supplementation and poisonous plants, as well as the importance of dietary variety, interactions among nutrients and toxins, and implications for managing animals on rangelands.

Fred spoke to a large audience of 80+ people the first day, and then I asked Fred to meet with the council on the second day for a one-on-one exchange of questions and ideas. The interaction was great and Fred said he had never participated with a council in this fashion before. He found it beneficial as well.

The Feedback Loop I collected evaluations from the council. Their response to the question “What went well?” was: • Renewed our enthusiasm • Honesty and forthrightness • Each person input on their financial trees • Increased comfort level • Increased knowledge When asked, “What do we need to work on to make our council meetings better?” the answers were: CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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It’s Not Just a Grazing Thing • 100% attendance • Be better prepared • Better communication between meetings I asked each council member to write a sentence or paragraph from each ranch’s perspective on: What was the biggest benefit(s) or outcome for you and your ranch belonging to this council for the last two years? Here are the responses that I received to this question.

Latigo Ranch We have received support in our decisions to change our operations from cow-calf to yearlings.

The various learning opportunities and knowledge gained from these opportunities have allowed a smooth transition in business planning to take some of the bumps out of the road. We feel without the council, we would not be practicing Holistic Management as effectively as we are now.

Sturman Ranch I see it as the in depth look at the financial side of our business. It had been sorely neglected prior to this. This Council has raised our awareness to pay attention to details and focus on a holisticgoal and plan accordingly. It brought to light a way to reduce our debt load and let us move forward towards our holisticgoal. The communication thing is a work in progress for us and some days are just better than others. The biggest benefit is the group helped us to stay on track instead of going backwards to what was easy.

Browder Ranch In response to your question on what my biggest benefit and outcome for my ranch and

continued from page five Broken Arrow Ranch me was by belonging to this council for the last two years have been stability and the courage to keep plugging on. The biggest benefit the council helped me with was realizing that the problems that I was having with my hired man at the time was not because I could not communicate, Through the council I realized he was not ranch hand material. The council also encouraged me to go into partnership with a fellow that I may not have thought of myself, selling cattle and buying when I probably would not have, as well as taking in yearlings and leasing more land and outsourcing my financial book work.

As of right now the council is probably even more important because with all the changes going from just a cow/calf operation to a multiple operation with yearlings and breeding heifers as well, there are still a lot of new concepts that I am able to draw from the council and help keep my confidence up. Right now even with my liabilities being lower than 2 years ago my net worth is lower as well. Some of this was due to a hard year with three snowstorms one right after the other causing a huge loss in calves and also a large number of older cows not breeding up last summer.

I had to make some hard decisions on how to go into 2010, like selling all my bred heifers to make up the shortfall of the lost calf revenue and buying back a few heifer calves and taking in yearlings instead of buying cows. When tough years hit while trying to make changes to an operation, it would be easy to quit and go back to what I use to do which did not make money. I would just survive or sell out. The council is my cornerstone that keeps me on track and gives me the confidence when I start feeling weak, and gives credible views and questions to my methods.

Broken Arrow Holisticgoal

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Quality of Life: It is important to have time to enjoy our day to day activities together as a family and for everyone to participate in the ranch operation. We want to be able to work together with other people to create a more sustainable business for ourselves and our community. A place to call our own, without having to depend on so many people to run it.

put some savings away every year. We want to operate in the “sweet spot” that is the most profitable and makes the best use of our land, finances, labor, and community relationships.

Our business relationships are important and we want to produce good genetics that help our customers and friends be more profitable.

We want our business to be steady and ongoing with repeat customers that appreciate our product and services.

Outcomes of Production: Financial—We plan to create a low and manageable level of debt that does not have us under the gun at all times. We want to be secure enough that we are free to sell bulls in a sale or privately if it suits our quality of life better. It is important to have a base herd of 250 cows paid for and productive. We will pay our bills on time and

Future Landscape Description: Land Resources—It is important to manage our ranches and grasslands in a way that will improve the plant community and range production. We plan to make all the ecological processes healthy on all the land we manage.

We want our management practices to reflect good stewardship and hard work.

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I would say that the benefit to us is that we have had people to bounce things off of that have been observant of our situation and my wife's feelings and needs. It has caused us to look at things more holistically and the council has helped us to stay on track.

Dwight and Shelly Krien Our monthly council meetings have been a big asset to our business. The feedback, ideas, questions and support have helped keep us on track as far as working toward our HRM goals (holisticgoal). Input from the council has helped keep us from backsliding into our old rut (box)

Browder Ranch Holisticgoal • To enjoy the ranch and pass on the joys of working livestock, horses, and hunting to younger generations.

• Take time off to travel to other places (just for fun).

• Want to make the ranch a viable place in the future for grand kids and their kids for generations to come.

• Ranch will be financially stable and profitable for all who are involved with or within the operation.

• Be able to take advantage of more than one market.

• See great benefits in recreation and hunting.

• To have ample amounts of water in all pastures to accommodate the number of livestock needed to manage for a healthy landscape.

• To have a landscape plan that allows for good flexibility in the rotation of pastures and minimizes potential conflicts with neighbors or other users.

• Abundant wildlife habitat, healthy riparian areas and good stream bank stability on the S-Bar Creek and the Fitzsimmons Creek.

• Abundant amounts of stockpiled grass will be available for livestock through the winter months and we are efficient at getting by on the forage we produce.

• We improved the forage production by creating a healthy water cycle, mineral cycle, community dynamics, and the energy flow of the pastures below the Hat Creek breaks.

• By using improved management practices that will improve the land, wild life habitat, water and air quality, historic value and natural beauty that it would be considered a service to the public and ranchers would be earnestly given the title “a true environmentalist”.

and helps refresh all the new things we learned during the HRM (Holistic Management) course.

We also learn a lot just listening to other council member’s problems, decisions, and challenges.

After each meeting we feel a renewed desire and commitment to continue learning and working on our business.

Helpful Peer Pressure As an educator I have learned how powerful peer pressure can be in helping or impeding a person’s ability to practice Holistic Management.

I’ve found that an effective use of peer pressure is putting people in a council and having each person explain to others how they plan to implement Holistic Management within their operations. The support, trust, and encouragement that all council members received from this council exceeded my expectations.

The council members found such value in these meetings that they decided to meet on their own on a monthly basis. With the exception of a couple of months in the summer, this council has been very dedicated to providing support and encouragement to each other.

I felt I set the bar pretty high with how I expected this council to interact and support each other. However the candor, level of trust, and sharing far exceeded my expectations. I found most of them came to the council meetings prepared. They completed the homework and/or read the books assigned to increase their knowledge and understanding. I believe this program lit a spark within all of these businesses and they are living (seeing) the possibilities within each business.

This year the Lusk council plans to continue to meet monthly on their own. They want to continue to increase their grazing management, sharpen their financial management (monitoring and control), and work on that balance between work and play (family) for their quality of life. They recognize that there are still other facets of Holistic Management that they can learn. For the third year they want to really sharpen their skills. Then who knows, they might want me to introduce new facets or ideas again.

They promised to keep me informed and will use my services if they get in a bind.

All of the council members live within 60 miles of each other. Initially I thought some council members might be hesitant to engage with people from the same community. However, that has not been an issue. Some of the council members even went to high school together.

The challenge I have faced in trying to create other councils is the distance between council

Terry Browder and Mark Groh collecting monitoring data on Latigo Ranch.

members. I do believe it is beneficial for these council members to live close enough to support each other and meet monthly. I believe this is a very beneficial program that all Holistic Management practitioners could benefit from and I am working on creating other council opportunities.

Roland Kroos is a Certified Educator from Bozeman, Montana. He can be reached at kroosing@msn.com.

Code of Conduct: Lusk HM in Motion Council What do you expect from your council?

• New Ideas—Different thinking • Asking the hard questions • Experience • Be truthful • Honest Feedback • Everything stays in this room. 100% confidentiality • Dedicated to process and being prepared • Voluntary Disclosure • Encouragement (Someone to say “Wow”, you’ve made some tremendous progress) What can the Council expect from you?

• Being Prepared • Committed to attendance and completing assignments • Respect • Honesty • Encouragement/ Coaching • Positive Attitude—helping to find possibilities, open to out of the box thinking • Being a good listener

What a person shouldn’t expect from you or the Council?

• Do not expect too much too soon (Be patient, allow people to change at their own speed) • Quick fix answers ( the focus needs to be on helping each other ask the right questions, not answers) • Judgments, sarcasm, and negativity • Group think ( We need to help each other get out of the box) • Criticism (Provide each other with constructive feedback) What the council expects from the Facilitator?

• Crack the whip, keeps the council on tasks and on-time, yet is flexible to the needs of the council • Good leadership • Is willing to share this leadership (Is this a whole council decisions?)

• Brings new resources/knowledge/ innovative ideas or people to the council • Makes sure everyone is heard and allowed to have input • Is prepared • Honors everyone’s input • Creates a climate where people feel comfortable to risk • A good facilitator is in the background, keeps the process going without demanding a huge amount of attention Number 132

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Holistic Financial Planning— A Methodical System for Profitable Results

by Carrie Nelson

K

ent Alderin of McCluskey, North Dakota met Certified Educator Andy Hager when they were both Extension Ag Agents in 1992. Since they were working at increasing the use of grazing livestock in their respective areas, they tended to exchange experiences over time. They both left Extension work within a few years of each other, but still maintain regular contact. At some point, Kent’s focus had changed to establishing a trucking business and growing his cow-calf herd. He already had “a significant amount of debt” which provided quite an incentive for getting his trucking business up and running. As is typical with any new business, the early years of the fledgling business involved new, additional debt and a somewhat erratic income stream. At times, the income was not adequate to remain current on all debt payments, raising the question of “cashing out” his beginning cow-calf herd and limited line of farm equipment.

Creating a System In Kent and Andy’s earlier conversations, discussion of the possibility and wisdom of cashing out hard-won resources to pay current bills provided numerous opportunities for Andy to ask questions drawn on his Holistic Management experiences. Several years ago, that resulted in a two-day session together at Kent’s home in North Dakota, where they explored the basics of Holistic Management, began formation of his “holisticgoal” and looked into aspects of Holistic Financial Planning. Kent’s quality of life statement helped him focus on becoming debtfree, spending less time driving a truck and more time on the land with livestock, attending to his “bucket list” (things to do before kicking the bucket), and limiting debt.

The use of Holistic Management® Financial Planning has provided a methodical way to prioritize debt payments and schedule payments over time according to expected cash flows. He utilizes the HMI financial planning worksheets both as a long-term annual planning method and as a 13 week quarterly planning method adding, “For a guy who didn't like bookkeeping, I've come to enjoy using those big sheets.”

The Results Having a holisticgoal-focused financial plan has given Kent a methodical approach to cash flow and profit planning and the means to measure progress toward his “best possible outcome.” Financial planning offers him a clear way to monitor everything together on one plan, display planned progress over time, and clearly define closure that results from eliminating debt altogether. Kent is also enabled to clarify the differences between “needs” and “wants.”

Importantly, financial planning supports him in being proactive rather than reactive in running his business. Kent says, “It helps keep you on 8

IN PRACTICE

track toward your holisticgoal, and gives you a basis for re-planning when necessary… like the unexpected $3,000 transmission repair that just came out of the blue.”

Generally speaking, Kent has gone from being about $140,000 in debt three years ago to the point where he expects to be totally debt-free by December 2010. His trucking business has grown to two trucks, he was able to purchase a convertahopper trailer, and has increased his cow-calf herd.

"For a guy who didn't like bookkeeping, I've come to enjoy using those big sheets."

Giving Back Kent has always had an interest in building capacity in the local community with an attitude of “If it's gonna get done, we're gonna do it.”

He has a particular warm spot for young folks getting started, and offers a “hand up” whenever opportunities arise. Andy reports that Kent has helped a young couple interested in growing, selling, and consuming organic produce and marketing their chef skills. Kent has been working with this couple in exploring the construction and use of raised beds and composting of locally available materials.

Kent combined his cow herd with another man's start-up herd, creating enough of a cattle enterprise that the man can spend more time caring for livestock while earning a living. Kent

July / August 2010

also helped him secure more cows by purchasing the cows and trading them to him in exchange for winter care. Without changing his financial situation through holistic financial planning, Kent may never have been in a position to contribute in these ways to his community.

The Lesson Kent’s progress can be attributed to two main realities: Kent’s work ethic and his willingness to make the tough decisions. Holistic Management principles are really powerful, and one often doesn’t see that full power. Andy credits Kent to being the driving force in his success because he chose to push himself and his learning beyond any standard. Kent reaped what he sowed and he will continue to achieve extraordinary results, due mainly to the commitment, initiative and continued learning that comprise his own expectations of himself.

Andy maintains that Kent’s advancement from “playing financial defense” to the utilization of Holistic Financial Planning to manage his financial situation has been impressive and educational. Kent speaks often of the feelings of control, closure, progress, satisfaction, and self-confidence that have come from resetting his financial methodologies.

Kent has refined and defined his desired quality of life and future resource base in increasingly specific terms, which lend themselves to concrete plans toward achieving them. Kent’s options for forms of production are increasingly subjected to consistent evaluation and testing, all the while using his desired outcomes as the context for testing.

Setting his “financial bar” quite high has resulted in fairly tight money in all aspects of Kent’s life, but that’s offset by the significant progress he has made on reducing and eliminating debt. This, coupled with a sound financial plan, has provided him the opportunity to push the financial planning process, to see what he is really capable of accomplishing. The results of those efforts have been very positive, showing what is possible when learning meets commitment and initiative.

Andy Hager is a Certified Educator in Stetsonville, Wisconsin. He can be reached at: 715/678-2465.

& Is Your Grazing “Planned” Grazing ?

by Ben Bartlett

W

hat is grazing management? Ideally it’s a management system that balances the needs of the plant community, the needs of the grazing stock, and the desires of the management/owners.

Grazing in this complex ecosystem turns the captured solar energy in plants into a valuable livestock product for our benefit. There is so much talk these days about mob grazing, rotational grazing, set stocking, etc, that we forget that it’s not how we graze but the outcomes of our grazing program that are important. You do need to use the right tool to get the right/desired results. Each of the many grazing systems: mob, rotational, management intensive grazing, (MIG), deferred rotational, set stocked, etc., have a place with various benefits and costs, but there is no one right way to graze. However, there is a best way for you to graze to achieve your goals. Just like other tools, the idea is to pick the right tool for the right job to achieve your goals. You could drive a railroad spike with a tack hammer, but it would take a while and you can pound tacks with a sledge but I expect a little collateral damage may occur. And that’s why the idea of “planning” your grazing is so important.

When you are dealing with something as complex as “grazing,” you will never get it “right;” however, every year should be a step in the direction of your desired outcomes or goals That’s the really neat thing about grazing, we don’t plant a new crop every year, we “influence” this year’s crop of forage for this year’s animal performance. At the same time, we are shaping the landscape (organic matter levels in soil, the density and diversity of pasture plants, the riparian areas, etc) we want in the distance future. Improvement can seem slow, but change happens in small steps, which is another reason why you need to plan your grazing program Here’s how to get started with planned grazing in small steps.

Step One—What is one thing you feel is a “weak link” in your grazing operation? For example: • I would like to have pasture for 30 days more grazing at the end of grazing season.

• I always have a “summer slump” and overgraze my pastures and then run out of grass • I would like to see better animal performance (fatter cows, heavier calves, more pounds of gain per acre).

Just turn those weak links around, and you have a goal for the coming grazing season.

Step Two is to answer your question of how to strengthen your weak link. For example, how could you extend your grazing season by 30 days?

You probably have some good ideas. You could also check with some the

local experts, and do a bit of “research” to look at all the possible options.

When you have a good list of options, sort that list for those things that (a) would work on your farm, and (b) are cost effective, and most importantly (c) you would be willing to do.

Step Three is to put action into the plan. If you are going to extend your grazing season by 30 days by using higher stock density and more frequent moves, what exactly does that mean? What needs to happen? When is it going to happen and who is going to do it? This point is important because a lot of great plans are “dreamed up,” but if you don’t decide who is going to do it and when and how are you going to pay for it, a lot of what start out as goals are just dreams, an exercise in wishing.

Step Four is to identify how you will know if your plan worked. If you wanted to extend your grazing by 30 days, that’s 30 days beyond when? Let’s say you usually start winter feeding on November 1 in an average year and with your new plan, you are shooting for winter feeding to not start until December 1. Very few years are average so you do need to adjust the results to actual growing conditions for each year. The really, really important thing is that you look back to see if your plan had the desired effect. Then, you take that information and make a new plan for the coming year and maybe even add in a plan for a five-year goal.

You will never improve your grazing program, no matter how often you move the animals around, until you set down some clear goals, a plan on how to achieve them, and a way to monitor your success. It is really helpful if you write down a few things. Just start with a blank pad and put in one or two goals for this year and maybe a long-term goal. Under each goal, put in the what, when, who and how much information. Keep it short and simple.

The key is to make sure the “dream” has real “legs” and then post this “plan” where you can check it often. The plan doesn’t have to go on the refrigerator door but don’t, and I repeat don’t, bury it in a drawer. You are building a better grazing program and this plan is your blueprint. Check it often, just like you would check a blueprint when constructing a building.

Grazing is an extremely complex interaction of plant, animals, and people that is highly dependent on the weather which we know is highly variable. Most people have given up and don’t have a plan. They just do the “best job they can” with their grazing. I think even having a simple plan can put us one or maybe two steps closer to truly improving our grazing management and providing us with more profit, more fun, and the future landscape we desire. Give your grazing a little respect, have a plan.

This article first appeared in the Michigan State Cooperative (MSU) Extension Newsletter. Ben Bartlett is HMI’s Board Chair and a Holistic Management Certified Educator as well as Extension Educator for MSU. He can be reached at: bartle18@msu.edu.

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Using the Tool of Animal Impact to Rejuvenate a Paddock—

Experimenting with Stock Density and Herd Effect

by Brian Luce

T

here has been an increase in the use of “mob grazing” the last couple of years, and many agriculture related publications have published articles about the glowing results that occur if you use this new system. But, is this the new band wagon to jump onto, and is it the recipe to improved pastures and increased stocking rates? The rationale is that you just need to “move several times a day” and have “a million pounds an acre.” Mob grazing can be a very effective way to apply the tools of grazing and animal impact. But, is it being used and applied within the context of the whole? And, is it addressing the uniqueness and complexity that each “whole under management” has?

I have noticed many grass-based farms and ranches seem to have areas that do not respond to planned grazing. They continue to be poor in yield year after year despite various management strategies. So I created a case study that looked at the question: Will the tool of animal impact work to noticeably improve a pasture, and is it the right tool to address the root cause of the problem?

The case study took place on the grass farm of Richard and Sue De Bruijn from July 2008 until October 2009.The farm is located in central Alberta and has a soil type black Chernozem with a texture of sandy loam. It has an annual precipitation of 16 inches (400 mm) during the growing season and a frost free period of 112 days. They have been farming since taking over the farm in 2001 from Richard’s mother, Ulla. Ulla ran the farm as a grass farm since the late 1980s and it was managed holistically since 1989. We are members of the Ponoka Management Club which was formed in 1993.

grazing allotment size of 403 sq yards (300 sq meters) per move, it would require 180 moves to graze the paddock.

After doing the calculations we began to ask questions such as: Was this practical? Did it fit within the context of the whole? Do we want to use a predetermined stock density number or is that setting us up for a wreck? With the water points at either end of the paddock, it was decided to strip graze across to the center using portable fence, then move the heifers across the ungrazed portion, and then strip graze back to the center for a total of 24 moves.

Ulla volunteered to move the heifers during the day and Richard would move them in the evening. Each move was measured to determine area and observations taken before and after the heifers were moved. During the grazing period we wanted to assume that this action was wrong, and we wanted to have early warning criteria in place to monitor.

Project Design During the first couple of meetings with Richard and Sue we talked about what paddock to use in this project and how to measure results. We also looked at which of the four ecosystems we would need to address, discussing whether it was a poor mineral cycle or a poor water cycle. The paddock that was chosen was “Paddock O” as it has consistently yielded less than neighboring paddocks.

The average yield of the 400-acre (160-ha) grazing cell is 75 Animal Days per Acre (ADA’s) but “O” is at 60 ADA’s. This yield is 20% less than the average. It is the largest paddock in the grazing cell consisting of 13.6 acres (5.5 ha). It has two permanent water tanks, one at either end of the paddock.

The site consists of orchard grass, Kentucky blue, timothy, smooth brome and quack grass. The primary legume is alfalfa with a small amount of cicer milk vetch. Clover was broadcast in 2007, but it has not appeared yet. The east side is a sandy ridge that slopes northwest, and at the western side there is an old reclaimed well site. The well site has very poor growth, and it also pools water after a rain.

To determine if animal impact was the right tool to use to address the poor performance of paddock ”O” and if this action was going to move Richard and Sue towards their holisticgoal, we used the testing questions. We then looked at how to achieve a high enough stock density to create the animal impact that we felt was required.

There was going to be 250 head of 8oo-pound (360-kg) heifers used in this project. If, for example, we wanted at least 3,000 head/acre (7,500 head/ha), they would only be given 0.0833 acres/move or 403 sq yards (.03 ha/move or 300 sq meters). This was then equal to 2.4 million lbs/acre (2.7 million kg/ha). With the area of the paddock at 13.6 acres (5.4 ha) and the 10

Land & Livestock

July / August 2010

Litter was well-trampled at 100,000 lbs/acre.

Above photo is pre-graze.

Photo to left is postgraze on a higher ADA paddock.

Cows newly placed on area to left. A lot of residue still remains on right.

We decided that criteria would be: 1. Animal behavior and performance.

2. Amount of litter left over 3. Pasture yield Following the grazing period, results would be measured by regrowth, ADA‘s, and general health of the stand through observation and photo points, which would be monitored during the rest of the growing season as well as the following year.

The Grazing Begins Beginning July 1, 2008, the heifers were moved into the paddock. It had an average height of 14 inches (350 mm) and some of the grass seed heads reached 30 inches (750 mm) or more in height.

Move #1 was 0.51ac. (0.2ha) in area and they grazed it for four hours.

The density on this break was 500 hd/acre (1,250 hd/ha) or 400,000lbs/acre (450,000 kg/ha). The litter left behind was well trampled and very little bare ground was showing.

Move # 3 was the largest break that the heifers had. It was 1.04ac (0.42ha) and the stock density was 238hd/acre (595 hd/ha) or

191,021lbs/acre (214,900 kg/ha). They grazed for seven hours, leaving litter on the ground with no bare ground and a good mix of manure.

The amount of available material and the residual left is seen between #8 and #9 in the picture to the left. This was consistent down to move #12 and included moves #24, #23, and #22. Move #21 was the start of the old well site.

Move #17 had the highest stock density, it was 0.27ac.

(0.11ha) in area and the density was 919hd/ acre (2,298 hd/ha) or 912,408lbs/acre (1,026,459 kg/ha). As you can see from the photos on the bottom of the previous page, there was still a lot of litter left.

Move #20 was 0.84ac. (0.34ha) and the stock density was 297hd/acre (698 hd/ha) or 297,265 lbs/acre (133,769 kg/ha).

They grazed for 8.5 hours. The yield on the old well site was approximately half of the yield available on the rest of the paddock.

The greatest amount of animal impact was during moves #13, #14 and #15. There was lots of bare ground and the comments from Ulla’s notes were that the heifers were very hungry and bawling, and the field had no litter.

The yield for this grazing period actually turned out to be 82 ADA instead of the original 60 ADA that had been taken historically. (250 X .8 SAU for 200 SAU x 5.6 days/13.6 acres = 82 ADA). The paddock received a second graze in October giving a recovery period of 80 days. The yield in October was 33 ADA’s adding up to a total of 115ADAs for 2008.

In 2009 the paddock was grazed only once in July, yielding 23ADAs. A good level of carryover, estimated at 15 ADAs, was left over for litter accumulation or for early spring grazing. The 2009 total ended up being only 38 ADA’s which was considerably less than the 60 ADA’s even given a drought year.

Research Challenges The complexity of any biological system makes it very difficult to manage directly. Some of the primary sources of this complexity are: vegetation structure and composition, past history, type of livestock, as well as the type of environment and the rainfall regime, or where it is on the brittleness scale.

Managerial variability also plays a very large role in adding to the complexity of the system. The complexity of grass-based systems makes it hard to draw conclusions based on research or projects, but also to directly manage them.

Some of the things that we often can’t control and manage are: • What the livestock eat and impact.

• How severely they graze a plant.

We can control and manage: • When the livestock are in a paddock.

• How long they are there (grazing period).

• How many there are (stocking rate).

• When they come back (recovery period).

• The size of the area (stock density).

Above photo is pre-graze.

Photo to right is post-graze with less litter left on well site.

Very simply put, there are no recipes, rules of thumb, or grazing systems out there that are going to consistently work year after year. The complexity increases when the industry has a different meaning or understanding of what some of the terms and management guidelines mean.

We need to recognize that animal impact and grazing are tools that we can use to improve, change, enhance, or even damage the ecosystem to which they are being applied. Stock density and herd effect are management guidelines that we use to apply the tools of animal impact and grazing. With the complexity in this system it is difficult before hand to predict how stock CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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Stock Density and Herd Effect

continued from page eleven on the outcome.

density and herd effect will create animal impact or grazing or a combination of them. The best we can do is to monitor very closely what is happening when it is happening, that way we can make slight adjustments in the areas that we can control. We can adjust the density and how long they are in an area very quickly allowing us to keep on track in the direction of our goal. It is very much like driving a semi down the highway; if we fail to make slight adjustments as we go, we may end up standing by the wreck describing how and why it happened.

The hypothesis that this project was based on was that the tool of animal impact could rejuvenate a pasture. However, overall there was very little to no increase in the amount of litter on the ground nor was there any noticeable change in plant spacing. The increase in yield that we got during the project was from increased consumption not from an increase in pasture mass.

There was also no noticeable improvement in the water cycle and in some areas it may have gotten worse as there was an increase in the amount of bare ground. Certainly, the short term nature of the project and the long term nature of the pasture system makes it very risky to draw a definitive conclusion.

The continued drought played a very big role in adding another very large variable to this project. The big problem with drought is lack of growth and this makes it very difficult to manage high stock density for positive effects on the land. We have to keep reminding ourselves that less grass equals less time with the same stock density.

There is useful information that we can get from this project to use in the future. There are two main things that we can control to manipulate the livestock to shape and mold the land. The first one is the stock density, and in this project it was changed during the grazing period—from 238 hd/ac (595 hd/ha) or 191,021 lbs/acre (214,900 kg/ha) on move # 3 to 919 hd/ac (2,298 hd/ha) or 912,408 lbs/acre (1,026,459 kg/ha) on move #17.

Time was the other part that we could control ranging from four to 12 hours. The level of impact on #17 was very high as it not only had the highest stock density but it also was grazed for the longest. Stock density and time need to be managed together as they both have an impact

This is an example of good trampling on much residual litter as the ideal to increase soil health.

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These alfalfa plants hit a hard pan layer that caused roots to grow horizontally. This kind of impermeable soil barrier is a challenge when working to improve the soil’s water infiltration capabilities.

July / August 2010

We decided that as we could come to no conclusion, we needed to dig further into this project and determine if we were looking at the right root cause and how we could set up some trial and error, on-farm research that could possible help us find a solution to the poor production of paddock ”O”.

We decided to go into the diagnostic mode and then onto the research mode.

Using a Natural Resource Diagnosis Worksheet, we determined that the probable root cause of the problem was the human activity on the well site through compaction or contamination that resulted in reduced water infiltration and reduced yield. We thought that early indicators for any on farm research would be monitored through a water percolation test and a compaction test and also monitoring yield and plant health as well as water laying on the surface after a rainfall.

On-Farm Research Based on our diagnosis, we decided to do a simple and cheap trial and error research. This is not the replicated research that can be peer reviewed and published, but it is a way to look at different management strategies or tools that may move you towards your holisticgoal. On-Farm Research involves human creativity to find a possible solution to a root cause and includes the anecdotal evidence that is commonly used at the grass roots level. For this project we brainstormed some possible strategies that we could do to help us find a solution to deal with the root cause.

The following is a list of the different test plot ideas: • Deal with the compacted soil with a ripper.

• Increase the level of litter on the soil surface by feed or spreading straw.

• Apply water through the existing pipeline.

• Apply chicken manure or liquid manure.

• Apply compost.

• Use commercial fertilizer • Provide one year or more or rest.

The site was ripped with a cat and ripper in October of 2008. The concern with this type of ripping is that it mixes soil layers and opens the soil up to dry out even more. No other ideas have been tried at this time as Richard and Sue have sold the farm and bought a ranch in Saskatchewan.

This leaves us with the question of how to conclude this project? If the cause of the problem that we are trying to address is lack of consumption or poor utilization, then a simpler less labor-intensive approach should work. This can be accomplished by just leaving the livestock in an area until they have utilized the paddock to the desired level.

This is a very common practice with most types of pasture

Holistic Management Testing Questions— A Simple Approach

by Erica Frenay

Little litter left after moves 13-15.

Editor’s Note: Erica Frenay is one the instructors for HMI’s Beginning Women Farmer Program in the Northeast. When asked by some of the participants to de-jargonize the testing questions, she shared the following ideas. Note that the official terminology for the testing questions is in italics.

How do I know which course of action is best?

Pasture growth prior to grazing in July of 2009 did not indicate substantial pasture improvement despite increased stock density. systems and it can work very well.

But what if the problem is excessive brush, weeds or a poorly functioning ecosystem and the root cause is determined to be a lack of animal impact? Then how can we best apply the tool of animal impact to address the problem? We do not start with a predetermined stock density number that we have in our head or someone has told us we need to have. We need to go back to the grazing plan and make some adjustments there.

In paddock “0” the historical average yield was 60 ADA’s, so if we want to leave more litter by trampling, then adjust the stocking rate down to the lowest level that you can while increasing the stock density as you can. A reduced stocking rate up front should minimize the chances of a wreck and allow enough grass to increase the trample/graze ratio in this paddock.

You will notice that we still have not determined a stock density number that we need to use. The stock density that we use will be determined by our skill and experience, what amount of time we can put into it, what it is that we are trying to accomplish, what the weather and soil conditions are and the quality and quantity of grass that is in the paddock. We also need to monitor livestock performance. If we adjust the stock density to achieve the desired animal impact and move the livestock based on getting good performance, we will find that our trample/graze ratio is close to where it should be. This will lead us to healthier land and livestock and move us towards achieving our holisticgoal.

Brian Luce is a Certified Educator from Ponoka, Alberta in Canada. He can be reached at lucends@xplornet.com or 403/783-6518.

FIRST, before I make any decision, what are all the creative alternatives I could consider? It’s helpful to compare 2-3 of these alternatives at the same time. If the question you’re asking is too broad, or you don’t have all the information you need, it will quickly become clear as you get stuck on various testing questions.

1. If I’m facing a problem: what is the real root cause of this problem? Don’t try to use this one if you’re facing an opportunity!

(Cause and Effect) 2. Will the action I’m considering upset anyone whose support I need? (Social Weak Link) 3. If I’m trying to increase or decrease the population of a particular organism, does the action I’m considering address the organism at the weakest point of its life cycle? (Biological Weak Link) 4. Which of the actions I’m considering will bring the greatest return on my holisticgoal for the personal energy/resources/money I would spend? (Marginal Reaction) 5. If an action involves spending money, there are several questions to ask: • Where will that money come from, and is this a source that fits in with my holisticgoal (i.e. taking on debt)? Will this one expense lead directly to further expense in the future or is it an investment? (Money Source and Use) • Will this expenditure of money address the “bottleneck” or weakest point in my farm enterprise (or in my ability to make money, if considering non-farm-related decision)? Where should I invest to increase my ability to generate income? (Financial Weak Link) • If I’m considering various enterprises, which of them will contribute the most to the overheads of the business? (Gross Profit Analysis) 6. If an action involves natural resources (electricity, gas, diesel, etc), what is the energy source for this action (renewable or non-), and will that bring me closer to my holisticgoal? Will the energy be used in a way that’s addictive (i.e. requiring many repetitive uses of that energy source over time) or is it an investment? (Energy Source/Use) 7. Will this action move me toward or away from the last part of my holisticgoal—the part that describes how I want my land and the community and landscape around me to look now and into the longterm future? How do I want to be perceived by my community and is this action helping to create that reality? (Sustainability) 8. Now, given all the thought I’ve put into my options, how do I feel about this decision? (Society & Culture)

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A Blessed Revolution— Kirk Gadzia teaching Holistic Management module.

The Carbon Economy Course Series

by Owen Hablutzel “May your children rise up and call you blessed.” —Joel Salatin

I

magine for a moment a world in which agriculture is among the most culturally, financially, and ecologically esteemed and valued ways of making a living. A world in which agriculture is thoroughly integrated into reconnected, re-localized economies by consciously producing, not merely nutrient dense, healthy foods, but simultaneously healthy soils, landscapes, ecosystems, economics, and social dynamics. In this world land managers are well paid for these massive contributions to societal values and ecosystem services.

By management for healthier landscapes, able to readily sequester carbon, services and benefits accumulate rapidly. These services and benefits include reduced water use, drought, floods, wildfires, disease, atmospheric carbon, and climate and social chaos, and increased topsoil, biomass, habitat, biodiversity, food security, and air and water purification. That this world is eminently foreseeable, practically attainable, and socially desirable is the overarching vision of the recently completed, Carbon Economy Course (CEC) series in which the world’s leading Carbon Economy practitioners and educators share their know-how .

Brainchild of Keyline® and Broad-acre Permaculture designer Darren Doherty, the CEC series was developed to be, as Darren notes, an “accelerated training to help folks work on what I like to call the ‘Great Retrofit’ of agricultural landscapes . . . Right now we have a unique opportunity to revitalize our communities and societies through the building of a carbonrich landscape [and] we have the technical means to do so.”

Convened at Orella Ranch, on California’s Gaviotas coast, between October and December 2009, this four-module series of workshops delivered abundantly on the promise inherent in Joel Salatin’s closing words above, by advancing the practical know-how and revolutionizing breakthroughs needed to wake up that very world we envision together.

Soil Food Web The opening module of the CEC elucidated the science, the possibilities, and the practical results and technologies for working with life in our soils.

Esteemed microbiologist, Dr. Elaine Ingham, delivered this training, conjuring up a wonderful world of microbes for participants.

The diverse participant group learned how our non-complaining and freely laboring critters build soil structure, cycle nutrients, and give plants precisely what they need, when they need it, in the exact amounts the plants desire. Though mostly microscopic individuals in size, taken together these soil creatures form vast, hard-working hordes (often more pounds to the acre than the macro-sized livestock!) that can be managed to greatly improve the effectiveness of our water and mineral cycles, while reducing compaction, and steering community dynamics towards desired outcomes like accelerated succession, increased energy flow, yields, topsoil, and stores of soil organic carbon. Altogether, these living organisms can be among the most potent forms of ‘animal impact’ in our managed ecosystems (see Betsy Ross’ article, IN PRACTICE # 127).

Among the downright revolutionary notions presented were the many consistent and repeatable examples from around the world (over 2 million acres working with Dr. Ingham’s lab network) demonstrating that, given proper understanding and use of this vigorous tool of living organisms , land managers need literally never again till a field, rotate a pasture or 14

Land & Livestock

July / August 2010

crop, or apply any inorganic chemical fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, or herbicide whatsoever!

Sustainable Land Management The second module coupled the Holistic Management® introductory training with demonstrations of Keyline® and Broadacre Permaculture design thinking, techniques, and guidelines in action.

Sought-after consultant, noted author, and Certified Educator Kirk Gadzia led-off this module with many examples of the worldwide practice and benefits of Holistic Management®, and the framework that has developed around this valuable decision-making engine. Participants began to comprehend the value of the holistic perspective, its time tested principles for success, and how it leads to improved decision-making, management, and triple-bottom-lines.

Along with these Holistic Management® basics, Kirk offered engaging presentations on topics such as soils, livestock, wildlife, grass physiology, planned grazing, fencing, watershed restoration, and effective land management guidelines. The revolutionary potential in using animal impact and high-intensity planned grazing as practical, effective, and economically sensible tools for reversing global desertification while increasing soil carbon storage on vast scales were discussed (see article by Allan Savory and Christopher Peck, IN PRACTICE # 115).

Originator of the CEC, Darren Doherty, led the second half of this module, and began with a re-emphasis of the view that Holistic Management, with its systematic framework, decision-making tools, and planning procedures, is the vital context and grounding for the veritable smorgasbord of pragmatic, ecology-based, strategies for production and land health covered throughout the remainder of the expansive CEC series.

Darren proceeded to explore many of these emerging strategies—such as, pasture cropping [see Colin Seis article, IN PRACTICE #119], croprolling, bio-char, soil food web, natural sequence farming, and more—as well as giving numerous practical examples and techniques from his wealth of experience performing Keyline® Design and broad-acre Permaculture Design work, world-wide (see article on the Marin Carbon Project from IN PRACTICE # 128 and the article by Abe Collins and Darren Doherty, IN PRACTICE #124, for a thorough review.)

Darren also covered designing agro-forestry and silvo-pastoral systems, sequestering carbon with grasses and with trees, project costing, phase planning, using GIS in land planning and design, and more. The abilities of these varied approaches to create and store soil organic carbon were emphasized.

Probably the most revolutionary aspect—along with its focus on whole farm planning—of PA Yeomans Keyline® design system was its overturning the fallacy, commonly assumed even among many of today’s agronomists and soils scientists, that it takes 1,000 years to build an inch of topsoil. Darren illustrated how using Keyline practices can appreciate

Joel Salatin spoke to participants about ways to “relocalize”.

topsoil at rates of four to six inches per year, even in relatively brittle environments (see Abe Collins article, IN PRACTICE #107), with potential for even more in humid areas.

Zero Emissions Research Initiative The third module of the CEC trained participants in the framework of Zero Emissions Research Initiative, or ZERI. Certified ZERI trainer, Erin Sanborne (of New Mexico), led this training. ZERI was started and developed in the 1990’s by global eco-preneur, author and professor of systems design, Dr. Gunter Pauli (Upsizing and The Blue Economy: 10 Years, 100 Innovations, 100 Million Jobs).

While zero waste is a goal, it is also merely the leaping off point for a comprehensive framework applicable to the regeneration of all scales of business and industry. Ultimately, Pauli would have the entire global economy thinking and behaving like an ecosystem. With initiative sites from Namibia, to Columbia, to Japan, New Mexico (Picuris Pueblo) and beyond, ZERI demonstrates local actions accumulating to a truly global vision of regenerative economy, meeting the needs of all using just what is locally available from the earth.

ZERI methodology uses system maps to create a complete picture of a given operation. All inputs and outputs for every element of the system are mapped and cycled from “cradle-to-cradle,” emphasizing re-use of all materials (as opposed to the linear “cradle-to-grave” model). Uses are found for all outputs, often several new uses, generating new and multiple values and revenues out of former expensive and problematic “waste” materials.

This waste becomes ingredients and inputs for a new process, or value-added products. All newly created outputs, from any new process or enterprise, are put through this cycle again. The procedure is performed throughout the entire whole, and usually requires extensive use of the highly valuable, but underused, tool of human creativity, until ZERO waste (or as close as possible) is achieved.

This process is capable of creating massive operational savings, especially through improved efficiencies, and can be applied at many scales—from the farm or ranch scale, to the entire region, watershed or catchment. ZERI looks to help localize all economies by concentrating on finding multiple uses for what is locally available, as well as by saturating local markets with local products prior to seeking outside markets, creating as many regional jobs as possible in the process.

Scaled up to the whole planet, it encompasses Pauli’s vision for a “Blue Economy.” This may be the most revolutionary notion to emerge from this framework; that by industries and economies thinking and acting like ecosystems, the waste, ecological destruction, and other problems caused by much industry, can be transformed into creative, workable solutions that generate as many positive outcomes in the world as were formerly negative.

To achieve this vision Pauli insists we need a new model. Opposed to the notion of the “green economy”—that people must pay extra for sustainability (even less likely to succeed in the current economic

downturn)—Pauli instead proposes that we need to invest less, but innovate much more, while stimulating entrepreneurs to generate multiple cash flows, create jobs, build social capital, and create local economies of scope rather than scale (through focus on a wide diversity of quality yields rather than on large quantities of a single product or yield). To this end, his book details 100 of the nature-mimicking innovations that can lead the way.

A blue economy aims for a carbon rich, regenerative future. By prioritizing solutions inspired by solutions that Nature herself—the greatest, longest running “research and development” project ever—has developed, and by similarly using physics, chemistry, and biology, we can cascade all materials through many diverse, value generating processes, services, and products, just as nature cascades nutrients through its diverse systems.

Pathways To ReLocalization This fourth and final module of the CEC was delivered by everyone’s favorite bio-evangalist, Joel Salatin. Joel brought down the house (in this case, a packed lecture tent, like a good ol’ fashioned revival) with the impassioned fire of his unique brand of “lunatic farming” for two information-sharing, storytelling, and raucous, good-humor filled days.

Anyone who has read one of Joel Salatin’s many books, or his column in The Stockman Grass Farmer, knows he has a unique voice and outlook on farming and life which he enjoys sharing with others. Joel shared the story of his Polyface farm and many of the tried and true profit generating, fertility building, production models he has developed there over the years—from pigaerator pork, to salad bar beef, and every chicken, turkey, and rabbit in between.

Joel continued to elaborate re-localizing pathways by explaining the vital pieces of any “local food system pie,” (producers, processing, accounting, marketing, distribution, and customers) along with his elaborate vision for how to jump start a Local Food Super Center model, capable of competing successfully with the “Wal-Marts” of the world. This plan incorporates what makes “Wal-Marts” successful (one-stop shopping, real time convenience, busy cashiers, value-added foods) and puts it to work for local farmers, ranchers, food processors, producers, and customers, in order to help create local carbon-based economies that positively thrive.

What Joel’s story and practices have demonstrated is that carbon-friendly farming can be both fun and profitable for all. His example is a revolution in itself. In the end Joel merely preaches what he has long practiced, by emphasizing our tool of greatest potential leverage, human creativity. “We have to purchase our freedom,” Joel exclaims, “with ingenuity.”

Altogether, the four CEC modules elaborated an elegant, far-reaching, and impressive vision along with a practical challenge to each of us working for improved triple bottom lines and healthy future resource bases wherever we are, and the options at our disposal with this cornucopia of regenerative techniques and applications.

Now is the time for rising up, for engaging our lunatic ingenuity, our systems design frameworks, our Holistic Management® policy design and decision-making skills, our Permaculture farms, our Keyline designed water harvesting, our holistic planned grazing, our powerful animal impact, our living soil organisms and food web, our resilient local food systems, our abundant local jobs and regenerative carbon sequestering ecologies, our payment for ecosystem services, and with everything running and thriving ever more and more simply, using air, water, and sunlight; the abundant bounties of Nature. A blessed revolution, indeed.

The next iteration of the CEC is called the Regenerative Agriculture course series and will be offered in Australia (see ad on page 23). Owen Hablutzel is presently enrolled in the Holistic Management® Certified Educator training program, and performs international work in Keyline® and Permaculture systems design and education. He can be reached at go2owen@gmail.com.

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F ro m H M I ’ s C E O

Texas Regional Office Report

Community, Content, Commerce, Collaboration—

Editor’s Note: This column will appear in most issues of IN PRACTICE as part of the integration of HMI-Texas into HMI.

Cornerstones of Today’s HMI

by Peter Holter

T

oday’s HMI is built solidly on the principles and practices of Holistic Management. Under that umbrella, HMI is broadening its reach to: • Extend its international community and provide interactive communication for that group; • Build new levels of cooperation and collaboration with partners, associates, and other organizations; • Develop more effective content and clarity in all communication and curriculum materials; • Generate new avenues of commerce tied to Holistic Management The first part of 2010 has been exciting as we look at fulfilling these objectives, with many new programs and projects. The USDA-funded Beginning Women Farmer Program is off to an excellent start. Our very successful Texas-based Kids on the Land program has already had over 2,000 K-6 students participate—and is expanding to other locations in Texas, with plans to take it to other states in the very near future.

The Gen Next College Program has had a good start in Colorado. Work with Horizon Organic continues to expand and grow. And there are a number of new programs in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Australia in the works, which will be announced later this year.

Key among our new initiatives is the merge of HMI-Texas into the main HMI organization. Both Boards of Directors(HMI and HMI-Texas), in independent meetings, used the Holistic Management testing questions to walk through this decision, voting unanimously for the merge, with the joining of the two organizations occurring officially June 30, 2010. Amy Normand is now HMI’s Texas Regional Director, with Peggy Cole as the Regional Project Manager and Liz Goulding as the Administrative Associate.

Another piece of exciting news is the launch of our new website, which offers many opportunities for communication and interactivity. You are encouraged to visit the site www.holisticmanagement.org and participate in the community forums, the two blogs, and the calendars and listings all re-designed to better serve our HMI community, and provide an on-going resource and touch point on all things related to Holistic Management.

We now have over 60 CE’s worldwide, with a new group just completing their training and getting ready to jump into the Holistic Management stream with both feet. We are pleased to announce the formation of the HMI Educational Advisory Council, specifically designed for input from Certified Educators, and others involved or interested in our community.

This new panel has room for 12 members with 8 already participating and plans underway for a schedule of meetings and dialog about how to bring Holistic Management to a larger audience. The bi-monthly Certified Educator teleconferences continue to be a valuable forum where Certified Educators can discuss issues pertinent to the teaching of Holistic Management and continue with their professional development.

Today’s turbulent times make HMI’s proven framework for sound decision-making more relevant than ever before. We are excited about the many initiatives underway at HMI designed to broaden the application of Holistic Management by individuals, institutions, and business entities in ways that will make a profound difference to the planet and the people.

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H

MI-Texas was busy this spring with a series of Drought Mitigation workshops taught by long-time Holistic Management practitioner Walt Davis. These workshops included South Texas (Laredo and Corpus Christi) and the Gulf Coast region (Wharton), with an August workshop in Central Texas (Bastrop) all partially funded by Farm Aid (providing some scholarships for each one).

Besides the Wealth of Wildlife Spring Conference in March with keynote speaker Gregg Simmonds (see IN PRACTICE #131), HMI-Texas also provided two days of strategic planning for Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas. Brookwood is an educational and residential community for adults with special needs. They empower individuals to become more independent through various enterprises like a café and farm.

Peggy Sechrist facilitated the planning and worked with employees from every facet of the operation to build a holisticgoal and begin making decisions toward it.

HMI-Texas also hosted a field day at the Duncan Brother’s Ranch where participants toured the 7,000 owned acres and 1,800 leased acres that are in various stages of rice production, cattle production, hay, row crops and oil production.

HMI-Texas also partnered with Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in Fort Worth to provide a five-day comprehensive Holistic Management class titled “Planned Grazing” and taught by Certified Educator Kirk Gadzia. Kirk blew everyone away with his practical and easy to understand style. Thanks to amazing practitioner ranches nearby (the accompanying field was on Dixon Water Foundation’s Bear Creek Ranch) and Kirk’s inclusive delivery, Holistic Management made a positive impression on several who had previously rejected the practice.

HMI-Texas also had a presence at two Green Living Expos (Plano and Austin), the Sustainable Agriculture Conference near San Antonio and the Southern Plains Conference in Lubbock.

Amy Normand took advantage of several opportunities to deliver a short talk on the essence of Holistic Management.

Two events in June were a Professional Development workshop on Biological Monitoring and HMI-Texas’ big summer grazing conference titled “Pasture Management—Above and Below Ground.” This five-day conference included a full day of “Exploring Life Beneath the Soil” with Dr. Pat Richardson, premiere soil food web scientist from the University of Texas. We also dedicated a full day to “Land Stewardship” with Dr. Richard Teague, Mark Moseley and others. Greg Judy taught High Density Grazing and other ranch business considerations with a “Landson Learning” experience on Saturday at Bob Sanders’ Cypress River Ranch.

Plans for the rest of the year include an Amarillo Planned Grazing workshop (June 29-July 1) with Kirk Gadzia, with the “Lands-on Learning” taking place at Doak Elledge’s ranch and a Fall Grazing Conference in Marfa (September 27-30) including a field day, a one-day conference and a two-day class.

Stay tuned as we flesh out the details.

Development Corner Kids on the Land Debut in Jacksboro

I

n early May, Kids on the Land, which has been such a success on the West Ranch for six years, made its debut on a brand-new site in Jacksboro, Texas. Board member John Hackley made the lovely retreat center and his family’s ranch available to pilot the program in the Jacksboro School District.

Supported by eleven volunteers from Jacksboro and all corners of Texas and one from Colorado, Peggy Maddox, the program’s driving force for six years and Educational Director at HMI’s West Ranch, eighty-four 4th and 5th graders delighted in the lands-on experiential experiences the team had in store for them.

Activities for the fourth-graders, who participated in the day’s activities on Wednesday, May 12th, centered on the “Plant Scene Investigation” program that Peggy had adapted to the ecology of that region. Four groups and their leaders spread out across the ranch learning about and experiencing their native plants and, at the end of the day, reported back to their classmates about the discoveries they had made.

The focus for the fifth-graders the following day was “Water Today, Water Tomorrow”?

Logistics that day were a bit challenging due to the intermittent downpours and the kids had to be transported by the quickly dispatched school buses rather than the intended cattle transporters.

According to Peggy, feedback from these two days has been enthusiastic from kids, teachers, and volunteers. The father of one fourth-grader wrote: “… he could not stop talking what he had done that day and the things he had learned. This is a young man who is around agriculture and wildlife all the time but still learned a lot from the field day.”

To make these valuable experiences happen takes a lot of behind-the-scenes preparation. Prior to the two field days, Peggy and the eleven volunteers gathered to discuss the underlying teaching intent of the programs, the program content, and design the activities. And months prior to the actual events, Peggy had several meetings with the principal and teachers to introduce the concept and garner their support.

Lastly, what made it all possible was John Hackley’s unwavering support and enthusiasm throughout the whole process, from introductions to the school officials to hosting the kids, teachers, and volunteers for several days. Along with John, his sister, Martha Salmon, and son, Brent, were key in making it all go so smoothly.

So, what’s next for Kids on the Land? Several of the volunteers who participated in the Jacksboro pilot want to take the program to their own communities. And there’s a strong possibility that we’ll take it to several sites in California this summer. Watch for updates in the next IN PRACTICE here in the Development Corner and contact us (juttavg@holisticmanagement.org) if you’re interested in making it happen in your community!

Colorado College Students on the Land!

Children from the Jacksboro School District proudly display their collection sacks and Naturalist Journals as part of the Kids on the Land Program.

Peggy Maddox (right) and all the Kids of the Land in Jacksboro volunteers.

I

n the last issue of IN PRACTICE we reported on a collaboration with Colorado College Farm Club students to provide a series of Holistic Management workshops to interested members.

To complete the series that started in midFebruary with Introduction to Holistic Management and Financial Planning, seven students gathered on George Whitten’s and Julie Sullivan’s San Juan Ranch in Buena Vista on May 2nd for the Planned Grazing and Biological Monitoring sessions. Being on the land and learning from an experienced practitioner was an energizing experience for all.

One of the students, Jess Arnsteen, is graduating this May and has already lined up a job as a farm manager in Colorado. Here’s what Jess has to say about his experience: “The time I spent at George’s ranch gave me a tasty bite of

Holistic Management in action. We were able to sit down and study his grazing charts and maps, and then go out and actually move his cattle to fresh grass—twice. We saw what ground in brittle environments looks like when it is poorly managed and then compared it to the lush and diversely covered ground at George’s. It became clear that George is not just doing some things right; he is doing lots of things right because he understands the whole picture. The workshop gave me a better grasp of rangeland management, but also a firsthand look at dignified human agriculture.”

Four of the students who participated in all four trainings will be working with us to continue the collaboration next semester, and we all look forward to building out the program for the next generation of students at Colorado College and elsewhere.

Tse Daa K’aan—A New Collaboration

I

n April HMI was asked to take a look at a 25,000-acre stretch of trust lands that are grazed by members of the Tse Daa K’aan Certified Chapter of the Navajo Nation in Northwestern New Mexico. George Henderson, the Chapter’s Grazing Representative and a long-time rancher himself, was concerned with the poor state of the land and was looking for ways to restore the grazing lands to the health and productivity the elders remember from decades ago. HMI’s site assessment and resulting recommendations were well received by George, the graziers, and the Chapter’s decision makers, and we are in the planning stages of a multiyear land restoration project that will start with an action plan for the 25,000 acres. The first step is to work with the Chapter to secure funding for a series of Holistic Management workshops for the Chapter’s graziers. Also in the planning stages is a ten-acre test plot, on which we will show how well planned animal impact can restore biodiversity and forage production.

Ann Adams and George Henderson discuss forage quality and production on the Tse Daa K’aan Chapter’s grazing lands.

Number 132

IN PRACTICE

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UNITED STATES

Certified Educators

TEXAS

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 institutions they represent.

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.

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

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 ◆ 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 VIRGINIA

UNITED STATES CALIFORNIA

NEBRASKA

Richard King 1675 Adobe Rd., Petaluma, CA 94954 707/769-1490 • 707/794-8692(w) richard.king@ca.usda.gov * Christopher Peck 1330 Gumview Road, Windsor, CA 95492 707/758-0171 Christopher@naturalinvesting.com ◆ Rob Rutherford CA Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 805/756-1475 rrutherf@calpoly.edu

Terry Gompert P.O. Box 45, Center, NE 68724-0045 402/288-5611 (w) tgompert1@unl.edu Paul Swanson 5155 West 12th St., Hastings, NE 68901 402/463-8507 • swanson@inebraska.com Ralph Tate 1109 Timber Dr., Papillion, NE 68046 402/932-3405 • Tater2d2@cox.net NEW HAMPSHIRE ◆ Seth Wilner

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

COLORADO Cindy Dvergsten 17702 County Rd. 23, Dolores, CO 81323 970/882-4222 hminfo@wholenewconcepts.com

NEW MEXICO ◆ Ann Adams

GEORGIA Constance Neely 1421 Rockinwood Dr., Athens, GA 30606 706/540-2878 • clneely@earthlink.net MAINE Vivianne Holmes 239 E Buckfield Road Buckfield, ME 04220-4209 207/336-2484 • vholmes@umext.maine.edu MICHIGAN

NORTH DAKOTA

* 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 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

18

IN PRACTICE

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 kirk@rmsgadzia.com

Wayne Berry 1611 11th Ave. West Williston, ND 58801 701/572-9183 wberry@wil.midco.net OREGON Jeff Goebel 52 NW Mcleay Blvd.

Portland, OR 97210 541/610-7084 goebel@aboutlistening.com PENNSYLVANIA Jim Weaver 428 Copp Hollow Rd. Wellsboro, PA 16901-8976 570/724-7788 • jaweaver@epix.net

July / August 2010

Byron Shelton PO Box 558, Upperville, VA 20185 719/221-3259 (c) landmark@my.amigo.net

WASHINGTON 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, 715/678-2465 W. 3597 Pine Ave., Stetsonville, WI 54480-9559 Larry Johnson, 608/455-1685 W886 State Rd. 92, Brooklyn, WI 53521 LarryStillPointFarm@gmail.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

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 Brian Marshall P.O. Box 300, Guyra NSW 2365 61-2-6779-1927 • fax: 61-2-6779-1947 bkmrshl@bigpond.com Dick Richardson Bonnie Doone 1497 Little Plains Road, Boorowa NSW 2586 61 0 263853217 (w) • 61 0 263855284 (h) 61 0 429069001 (c) • dick@bdynamic.org 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 Pine Scrub Creek, Kindee, NSW, 2446 61-2-6587-4353 brian@insideoutsidemgt.com.au Jason Virtue P.O. Box 75, Cooran, QLD 4569 61-2- 07 5485 1997 jason@spiderweb.com.au

CANADA Don Campbell Box 817 Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1Y6 306/236-6088 doncampbell@sasktel.net Linda & Ralph Corcoran Box 36, Langbank, SK S0G 2X0 306/532-4778 rlcorcoran@sasktel.net

* Allison Guichon

Box 10, Quilchena, BC V0E 2R0 250/378-4535 allison@guichonranch.ca Blain Hjertaas Box 760, Redvers, Saskatchewan SOC 2HO 306/452-3882 bhjer@sasktel.net Brian Luce RR #4, Ponoka, AB T4J 1R4 403/783-6518 lucends@xplornet.com Tony McQuail 86016 Creek Line, RR#1, Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0 519/528-2493 mcqufarm@hurontel.on.ca 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

INTERNATIONAL KENYA Richard Hatfield P.O. Box 10091-00100, Nairobi 254-0723-506-331; rhatfield@obufield.com 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 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

AFFILIATES NEW ZEALAND John King * P.O. Box 12011 Beckenham, Christchurch 8242 64-276-737-885 succession@clear.net.nz

COLORADO PENNSYLVANIA

Colorado Branch For Holistic Management® P.O. Box 218 Lewis, CO 81327 www.coloradoholisticmanagement.org Cindy Dvergsten, webmaster 970/882-4222

Northern Penn Network Jim Weaver, contact person RD #6, Box 205 Wellsboro, PA 16901 717/724-7788 jaweaver@epix.net

TEXAS

NEW YORK

* Philip Bubb

32 Dart Close, St. Ives, Cambridge, PE27 3JB 44-1480-496-2925 (h) +44 7837 405483 (w) philipbubb@onetel.com

BRIAN & GAIL LUCE INVITE YOU TO . . .

Lucends Ranch Pasture Tour & Family Field Day July 21–22, 2010

HMI Texas Peggy Cole 5 Limestone Trail, Wimberley, TX 78676 512-847-3822 peggy@hmitexas.org www.hmitexas.org

Central NY RC&D Phil Metzger 99 North Broad Street Norwich, NY 13815 607/334-3231 ext 4 phil.metzger@ny.usda.gov

West Station for Holistic Management Peggy Maddox PO Box 694, Ozona, TX 76943 325-392-2292 westgift@hughes.net

NORTHWEST Managing Wholes Peter Donovan PO Box 393 Enterprise, OR 97828 541/426-5783 www.managingwholes.com

Registration 7 Deadline: July $75/Person ~ $150/Family

• Wednesday Evening Fireside Social • On site camping available • Pasture Tour featuring mob grazing, daily monitoring and drought management with Holistic Management Certified Educator, Brian Luce • Soil Food Web • Hands-on plant identification • Producer Panel • Stock Dog demonstration • Families Welcome – Supervised activities for age 4 -12 • Thursday Lunch, Coffee Breaks and Barbeque Supper Included

Contact: Gail Luce RR 4 Ponoka AB T4J 1R4 403-783-6518 or 403-783-9912 bgluce@xplornet.com

Oklahoma Land Stewardship Alliance Charles Griffith, contact person Route 5, Box E44 Ardmore, OK 73401 580/223-7471 cagriffith@brightok.net

HRM of Arizona Norm Lowe 2660 E. Hemberg Flagstaff, AZ 86004 928/214-0040 loweflag@aol.com

SOUTH AFRICA Jozua Lambrechts P.O. Box 5070 Helderberg, Somerset West Western Cape 7135 27-83-310-1940 • 27-21-851-2430 (w) jozua@websurf.co.za Ian Mitchell-Innes P.O. Box 52 Elandslaagte 2900 27-36-421-1747 blanerne@mweb.co.za

UNITED KINGDOM 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

OKLAHOMA

ARIZONA

Holistic Management Handbook Healthy Land, Healthy Profits

By Jody Butterfield, Sam Bingham, and Allan Savory, HMI

The Holistic Management Handbook gives you step-by-step guidance for managing a ranch or farm holistically. It is essential reading for anyone involved with land management ORDER and stewardship.

TODAY!

29

$

Learn how to create healthy land and healthy profits.

Call 505/842-5252 or order online at www.holisticmanagement.org!

Number 132

IN PRACTICE

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Nebraska Holistic Management Gathering September 14-15, 2010 Black Horse Inn & Drovers Steakhouse Creighton, Nebraska The Nebraska Holistic Management Gathering will feature several Holistic practitioners, Ann Adams, Neil Dennis, Chad Peterson, Rodger Savory, Tilak Dhiman, Terry Gompert, and the newly graduated Holistic Management速 Certified Educators.

What will you learn? ! Grassfed Research ! Power of Stock Density (mob grazing) ! Application of Holistic Management ! Dung Beetles

Ann Adams, New Mexico - Ann is the Director of Educational Products & Outreach at Holistic Management International. She has created a workbook that helps individuals and families easily understand Holistic Management and put it into practice.

Neil Dennis, Canada - He is the detailed Mob grazier of the world. He custom feeds large herds of stockers.

Speakers: Tilak Dhiman, Utah Tilak is the top researcher on grassfed fats.

Terry Gompert, Nebraska - Terry is a

Rodger Savory, Canada - Roger is the son of

UNL Extension Educator with a focus on grazing.

He is a Certified Educator and Practitioner on his small ranch.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010 5:00 p.m.

Registration 6:00 p.m.

Buffet 7:00 p.m.

Holistic Management Educator & Trainee Panel 8:00 p.m.

Greeting Circle Registration Costs: After Sept 1 Before Sept 1 $100 $150 *50% discount for each extra member of a family or farm unit.

7:00 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

Chad Peterson, Nebraska - Chad is a very experienced Mob grazier. He is known for his outof-the-box thinking.

HM founder, Allan Savory. He managed the grazing land in Zimbabwe. He consults worldwide and is very opinionated.

George Wagner, Nebraska - George has become an independent beetler. He knows and understands Holistic Management.

September 15, 2010 Registration with Coffee & Rolls Mob Grazing Jeffrey Island/Weeds to Grass -Peterson Mob Grazing in the North -Dennis Beginnings of Ultra-High Stock Density Grazing -Savory Power of Stock Density -Gompert

12:00 noon 1:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

Lunch Living at Home with Holistic Management -Adams Latest Research on Grassfed Beef -Dhiman Dung Beetles -Wagner and others Buffet Speaker Panel Closing Circle

There are a few rooms blocked at the Black Horse Inn in Creighton, Nebraska.

Call 402-358-3587 and mention the Holistic Management Gathering.

For more information contact: UNL Extension in Knox County at P.O. Box 45, Center, NE 68724; email - knox-county@unl.edu; phone - 402-288-5611; or fax - 402-288-5612. 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

July / August 2010

T H E

M A R K E T P L A C E

HANDS-ON AGRONOMY BASIC SOIL FERTILITY GUIDELINES Now Available on DVD

BUY THE DVD TODAY! Runs 80 minutes and covers the following topics: • Feeding and Balancing the Soil • The Albrecht System • Soil Testing • Considering Soil Test Results • Sulfur • Calcium, pH, and Liming • Potassium and Sodium • Nitrogen • Manures, Green Manures

$30

(postpaid to US addresses)

For consulting or educational services contact:

Kinsey Agricultural Services, Inc. $30 (plus shipping) (PAL orders add $5)

297 County Highway 357, Charleston, Missouri 63834 Phone: 573/683-3880; Fax: 573/683-6227, neal@kinseyag.com WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARD ORDERS (VISA, MC)

KEEP ’EM FENCED WITH

Quality Posts Twin Mountain Fence offers high quality electric fence posts, both temporary and permanent.

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Number 132

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IN PRACTICE

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T H E

M A R K E T P L A C E

CORRAL DESIGNS

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

The Business of Ranching

• 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 4926 Itana Circle • Bozeman, MT 59715

Resource Management Services, LLC

How can RMS, LLC help you?

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

On-Site Consulting: All aspects of holistic management, including financial, ecological and human resources.

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:

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

970/229-0703 www.grandin.com

Training Events: Regularly scheduled and customized training sessions provided in a variety of locations.

Ongoing Support: Follow-up training sessions and access to continued learning opportunities and developments.

Land Health Monitoring: Biological monitoring of rangeland and riparian ecosystem health.

Property Assessment: Land health and productivity assessment with recommended solutions.

The Grassfed Exchange

September 30, Oct. 1 & 2, 2010 NORThEaST COMMUNiTy COllEGE aG COMPlEx • NORFOlk, NEBRaSka

“FiNiShiNG GRaSSFED BEEF iN a PERFECT FaShiON” Seminar and Grassfed Banquet October 1 & 2, 2010 You will learn what affects finishability and all the health benefits of grassfed beef.

• Featuring Dr. Anibal Pordomingo, Argentina • Also, Doug Gunnink, Minnesota • Producer Panels • Famous Minnesota Grassfed Chef, Scott Pampuch, will prepare his showcase grassfed meal.

22

IN PRACTICE

July / August 2010

Networking Event Evening Meeting Sept. 30, 2010

PRODUCER TOURS

Sept. 30, 2010 Visit three ra nches oper ated by gr ea t gr assfed pr oducer s!

DiSPlayS and VENDORS

October 1 & 2, 2010

See the best genetics in the gra ssfed world!

Ta lk to vendors tha t will help you succeed in the gra ssfed world!

Seminar & Producer Tours Registration: Contact, Terry Gompert, 402/288-5611, knox-county@unl.edu Display Pens and Grassfed Genetics Display Pens: Contact, Joey Jones, 402/322-1608, grassfedexchange@yahoo.com website: grassfedexchange.com

COSTS—

Note, The cost for the second member of the family/farm attending the seminar and banquet will be 50% of the cost!

ion Pre-registrat y discount b , 0 September 1 2010!

■ Seminar & Banquet Before September 10, $150 After September 10, $200 ■ livestock Display Pen, Contact Joey ■ Vendor Display, Contact Joey

T H E

M A R K E T P L A C E

See the Big Picture ~ Respond to Change ~ Be Sustainable

Get Started Today – Join Our

Holistic Management Distance Learning & Mentoring Program Realize Immediate Benefits Save money on education — and get more for your money with highly personalized training.

All you need is a telephone, a computer is NOT needed. Learn at your own pace; apply what you learn to your situation and get results now!

Don’t change your life to learn.

Let your education change your life!

Visit: www.wholenewconcepts.com Email: hminfo@wholenewconcepts.com Call Cindy at 970/882-4222 for a free consultation!

Cindy Dvergsten, is a Holistic Management® Certified Educator, offering you over 15 years experience in training, mentoring, and facilitation; 30 years in natural resource management; and a lifetime of experience in diversified farming.

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

Grazing Planning & CRP Seminar

See Holistic Management in Action, September 21-23 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

Number 132

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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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $149 Grazing Planning software (single-user license) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100

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

Planning and Monitoring Guides

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

_ Policy/Project Analysis & Design August 2008, 61 pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17

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

_ Introduction to Holistic Management

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

August 2007, 128 pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25

_ CD of Back Issues: #71 - 130

_ Financial Planning August 2007, 58 pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17

Books & Multimedia

_ Aide Memoire for Grazing Planning August 2007, 63 pages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17

Holistic Management: A New Framework for Decision-Making,

_ Second Edition, by Allan Savory with Jody Butterfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39 _ Hardcover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 _ 15-set CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125 _ 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—

_ Early Warning Biological Monitoring— Croplands 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 _ Grazing Plan & Control Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17

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

by Allan Savory. (DVD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $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 (DVD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 _ PBS Video—The First Millimeter: Healing the Earth (DVD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 TO ORDER

MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION Amount $_____________ Please designate program you would like us to apply contribution toward _________________________________________

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Indicate quantity on line next to item, make sure your shipping address is correct, mail this page (or a copy) and your check or money order payable in U.S. funds from a U.S. bank or your credit card number and expiration date to: Holistic Management International, 1010 Tijeras Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

You can also call in or fax credit card orders. Phone calls to: 505/842-5252; Fax: 505/843-7900.

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