Celebrating Holistic Management for Earth Day: Growing People & Purpose

In celebration of Earth Day, members of the Holistic Management International community were treated to a heartfelt and practical conversation with Don and Bluesette Campbell, pioneers in regenerative agriculture with Holistic Management Canada. While the three pillars of holistic land management - people, planet, and profit - were all explored, the Campbells brought a powerful focus to the one often overlooked: people.

We often associate Earth Day with environmental action - planting trees, cleaning up, and addressing climate change. But the Campbells reminded us to also look inward, to the relationships that make regeneration possible.

People, Planet, Profit - in That Order

Holistic management is about quality of life, intentional decision-making, and building resilience from the inside out. The Campbells shared that when a family’s decisions align with shared values, communication improves and mental health thrives. Happy people, happy land.

Still, prioritizing people often takes courage - to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to initiate outreach to build community. The Campbells candidly shared that despite being leaders in their field, they sought professional support to strengthen the family’s bonds. In a world full of separation, Bluesette encourages land managers to “build your network.”

Find Your People

“Find your people,” she urged - those who understand your vision and aren’t afraid of challenging you to grow. Don added, “If you want to become a better person, associate with good people. As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.”

To build their support system, the Campbells started a management club and invited their surrounding community to branding workshops and “grass tours.” These proactive efforts created a community that helps them stay accountable - even when it’s hard to be objective.

These relationships can be compared to Bluesette’s wild garden. She shared a photo of a seemingly messy vegetable garden, but a deeper look finds harmony among symbiotic relationships. Some plants commonly thought of as “weeds” actually enrich the soil. In relationships, too, diversity brings strength - even when it's not obvious at first. Even those challenging relationships in our lives have something to teach if we only let down our guard and listen. Building a supportive community takes time and effort. 

Work With Nature, Not Against It

The Campbells have learned to trust the process and develop tools to build up their community, their profit margin, and the land. Don shared how by applying lessons learned through holistic management, they tripled their grass production - “That’s like somebody giving us two 4,200-acre ranches for nothing.”

They once considered clearing willows to make room for more grass but discovered that in dry years, the shaded willow pastures held more grass than others. Diversity, again, proved to be an asset. 

Grow the Next Generation

Bluesette emphasized that investing in people includes children. “You don’t just wake up one day and find out one of your children wants to be a rancher. It’s investment over time.” Involving kids - even when inconvenient - builds confidence that compounds over a lifetime.

She shared a story in which her son started his egg business - Eggs Benefit - at age eight, learning about income, expenses, and overhead. Whether through family meetings or watching caterpillars together, the goal is to nurture curiosity and a sense of place. “Start them where they are,” she said. Ask what matters to them. Make it simple. Write it down.

Roots and Wings

In 1997, Don and his wife Bev hired their son Scott to take over ranch operations. They created a contract: Scott was to ask for advice when he needed it and Don was not to advise his son unless asked. That approach allowed Don to support as a mentor, not a manager. It also gave Scott the freedom to make his own decisions, and choose the direction the ranch would take. 

“There’s a saying,” Don said, “Give your children roots and wings.” His own father had done the same. “Do what you think is best - I believe in you,” he once told Don. That simple affirmation built a foundation of confidence and freedom. Bluesette praised Don’s ability to pass down wisdom without getting in the way - a rare and powerful gift.

Holistic Relationships

Holistic management is about more than grazing plans - it’s about aligning daily choices with long-term visions. The social piece is often the most emotional, but also the most impactful. Investing in your community, family, and professional network yields returns in resilience.

Don observed that in North America, we live in a land of abundance - but often miss what matters most. Holistic management helps fill that gap - in our pastures, and in our hearts and homes.

We at Holistic Management International are working to understand our role in supporting our community and building stronger, more resilient relationships - both on and off the land. At its core, holistic management is about aligning decisions with values and long-term goals, and that includes cultivating the social fabric that holds families, communities, and land-based livelihoods together. We will continue to foster connection through community learning, encourage peer mentorship, and invest in social capital by nurturing the human aspect of regeneration.

Watch the full webinar here!