By combining seasoned instructors and facilitators, motivated participants, case studies, real ranching scenarios, on-site visits, and practical observation of Holistic Planned Grazing in action HMI and the Dixon Water Foundation hosted an outstanding 6 days of community building, learning, and sharing. Held at Dixon’s Leo Ranch near Decatur in north Texas the event is one to be remembered. Click here to see a video from the workshop.
Veteran Certified Educator, Kirk Gadzia, led the team of educators including Joshua and Tara Dukart, Christine Martin, and Wayne Knight who all provided context, skilled facilitation, and years of Holistic Management experience. Casey Wade and Philip Boyd, Dixon Water Foundation’s President and Vice-President of Research provided illuminating perspective, data and practical implementation examples of Holistic Management in action.
A diverse group of practitioners, including small and large-scale ranchers and farmers from all over the US, enthusiastically participated in the practical learning, case studies, and conversions as we covered a broad range of Holistic Management principles and practice. We had farmers from the east coast, ranchers from Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, large and small-scale farmers and ranchers from Texas and Oklahoma, farmers from Ohio and tribal land managers from New Mexico and Arizona.
The aim of the event was to bring together the full scope of Holistic Management planning tools so that participants can appreciate how elegantly the Holistic Goal, Holistic Financial Planning and Grazing planning integrate with decision testing and effective lead indicator monitoring.
A total of 47 participants from all over the US attended the event, influencing over 2.88 million acres across the US.
100% would recommend the training to others and 97% rated the program Excellent.
Common feedback was that participants appreciated the overview of Holistic Management, appreciating how the event provided insight into how the planning components integrate to enable land stewards to effectively manage in complex environments. Participants found the course to be both helpful and inspiring, noting in their evaluations:
“I have hope for improving my operation.”
“The workshop was incredibly valuable for me and changed my mindset greatly.”
“Incredible and eye-opening. I am very inspired and fired up!”
Thanks to our sponsors and hosts, the Dixon Water Foundation for a memorable event! To Casey, Philip, Hilary and Richard, your knowledge, wisdom, arrangements and professionalism are highly appreciated. To our wonderful educator team: Captain Kirk Gadzia, Joshua and Tara Dukart, and Christine Martin thanks for your excellent presentations, humility and inspiring stories. Thanks to Program Manager Dana Bonham for all the planning and preparation to make the event flow along. Most of all, thanks to the wonderful and passionate people who took 6 days to take part in this learning experience. We are excited to be on this journey with you!
