Guest Blog by Linda Pechin-Long
On August 20-21, the Greenacres Foundation and Holistic Management International (HMI) joined forces to present a workshop titled “Finding Balance in Farm Management: People, Land, and Fiscal Health.” Held at the scenic Greenacres Farm near Cincinnati, OH, the event brought together a dynamic group of 25 farmers, land managers, and sustainability advocates eager to deepen their understanding of Holistic Management and regenerative agriculture. The facilitators—Michael Cox, Director of Agriculture at Greenacres; Linda Pechin-Long, HMI Certified Educator; and Wayne Knight, HMI Certified Educator and Executive Director—guided participants through a transformative two-day experience.
The workshop kicked off with a warm welcome and a brief history of Greenacres, delivered by Michael Cox. His introduction set a positive tone, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to promoting regenerative farming through education and community collaboration. An opening circle helped foster unity and shared purpose, encouraging participants to engage fully during the workshop.
Applying Holism in Practice
Linda Pechin-Long and Wayne Knight led participants to the core principles of Holistic Management. Through this framework, participants were encouraged to view their farms as complex systems where decisions impact people, land, and fiscal health alike. The concept of a "safe-to-fail trial" was a key focus—participants were shown how small, low-risk experiments tailored to their own farms can lead to meaningful insights without significant financial risks.
The interactive sessions provided practical tools and techniques, such as:
Low-Risk Trials: Minimizing risks through small-scale experiments that maximize learning and build confidence in sustainable farming techniques.
Planned Grazing Principles: Understanding how appropriate stock density promotes a balanced ecosystem, improving both land and animal health.
Forage Assessment: Quick and accurate methods for assessing forage availability, ensuring that grazing practices align with ecosystem capacity.
Biodiversity and Soil Health: Exploring the connection between diverse plant life, robust soil, and long-term farm resilience.
Turning Knowledge into Action
Day two opened with a practical case study led by Wayne Knight, where participants applied forage assessments from day one to calculate how to meet animal nutritional needs during dormant seasons. Through the STAC method (Sole, Toe, Ankle, Calf), they learned how to match animal numbers with available forage, a critical skill for managing livestock during challenging periods like drought or winter dormancy.
The facilitators continually emphasized the link between financial planning and sustainable land management. Linda Pechin-Long highlighted how Holistic Management’s financial planning differs from conventional methods, offering strategies that not only ensure long-term economic viability but also enhance ecological health. By integrating financial planning into their overall farm management, participants saw firsthand how aligning finances with sustainable practices can reduce risks, increase profitability, and support a more regenerative approach to farming.
Participants also engaged in hands-on exercises that demonstrated how to balance immediate financial needs with long-term sustainability goals. The workshop showcased financial tools that can be used to monitor and assess success, giving farmers the confidence to adapt their plans as needed.
Building a Supportive Community
Throughout the two days, participants bonded through collaborative exercises, learning not only from the facilitators but also from one another. This shared experience highlighted the value of a supportive community of like-minded individuals, all striving for similar outcomes in their respective farming operations.
As the workshop concluded, attendees expressed renewed motivation and commitment to applying what they had learned. They left equipped with practical tools, innovative ideas, and a stronger network of peers who share a passion for advancing sustainable farming practices. One participant summed up the experience by emphasizing how much they appreciated the financial planning component, especially the focus on planning for profit before expenses.
A Successful Collaboration
This workshop was a resounding success, with 100% of participants rating it as "good" or "excellent" and all indicating they would recommend it to others. Key takeaways included the importance of forage management, the benefits of balancing animal performance with forage availability, and the powerful impact of applying holistic financial planning to improve farm resilience.
We extend our gratitude to the L&L Nippert Foundation for their generous support and to the Greenacres Foundation for their partnership in making this event possible. Workshops like this play a vital role in empowering farmers and land managers to create thriving, resilient ecosystems that balance the needs of people, land, and fiscal health