We're excited to share the success of our recent 2-day grazing school on August 3rd & 4th, the first in a series of workshops funded by a grant awarded to Texas State University Small Producers’ Initiative (SPI) and Holistic Management International (HMI). This inaugural event set the stage for a transformative educational journey in sustainable livestock and land management.
A Holistic Approach to Grazing
HMI Executive Director Wayne Knight, HMI Certified Educator Christine Martin, and Dr. Ken Mix, Associate Professor at Texas State University and host, began by acknowledging a crucial reality: many of us manage land that needs significant regeneration. The first step to restoring health and productivity is understanding the building blocks to restore land health. Learning how to read the land through the lens of ecosystem function (water cycle, mineral cycle, biological communities, and energy flow). This knowledge is essential for determining subsequent management strategies.
With this foundation, we dove deep into the complexities of using livestock as a tool to enhance ecosystem functions while simultaneously achieving acceptable animal productivity and sound financial management.
The Importance of a Holistic Goal
We emphasized the critical role of establishing clear and specific landscape objectives, which are encapsulated in a Holistic Goal. The Holistic Goal ensures all decision-makers are aligned and that every management choice moves the operation towards its overarching and agreed upon objectives. That is the foundation of Holistic Management that creates the desired outcome a management team has articulated.
The impact of this concept was immediate and profound. Couples who attended the workshop returned on the second day with exciting news. After discussing their goals the previous evening, many declared that they were re-prioritizing their enterprises and reshaping their goals. This real-time shift in perspective underscores the transformative power of holistic thinking in farm and ranch management.
STAC Forage Assessment
Participants learned about the STAC (Sole, Toe, Ankle, Calf) forage assessment method. This practical tool allows ranchers to quantify available forage in each pasture using just their boots–a simple yet effective technique for on-the-ground management. The method uses different parts of the boot and leg to gauge forage height and density, providing a quick and reliable estimate of available forage.
Reading the Land
We demonstrated how to observe pastures for signs of effective and ineffective mineral and water cycles. This skill is crucial for understanding the health of the land and making informed management decisions.
Balancing Forage and Livestock Needs
A highlight of the workshop was working through a real-world case study. Participants learned how to:
Determine available forage
Calculate livestock forage needs
Develop strategies to avoid substitute feeding (like hay) when forage is insufficient.
Grazing for Function vs. Performance
We explored the nuances of grazing management, distinguishing between using livestock primarily for landscape function improvement versus focusing on animal performance. This discussion helped participants understand how management strategies might differ based on their primary goals.
Looking Ahead
This workshop was just the beginning. Thanks to the grant received by HMI and SPI, we'll be offering more opportunities for ranchers and land managers to dive into holistic grazing management. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events!
We're grateful for the engaged participation of all attendees and look forward to seeing how these principles will be applied to enhance both ecosystem health and agricultural productivity across our communities.