On January 17, 2025, land stewards, ranchers, and regenerative agriculture enthusiasts gathered at Pure Pastures in Canyon Lake, Texas for an immersive workshop focused on Holistic Management® and profitable land stewardship. Hosted by Jeremiah and Maggie Eubanks, with instruction from Christine Martin of Holistic Management International (HMI) and Dr. Ken Mix, Small Producer Initiative (SPI), the event provided attendees with practical tools, real-world insights, and innovative strategies for improving land health and farm profitability.
Diving into Holistic Management
The day began with an Opening Circle, fostering an environment of connection and collaboration. Christine Martin then introduced Holistic Management and the Regenerative Agriculture Mentorship Program (RAMP), emphasizing the importance of planning holistically and managing for long-term sustainability.
Participants then embarked on a Pure Pastures tour, where the Eubanks shared their inspiring journey and management practices. Attendees got a firsthand look at how they have implemented regenerative principles to enhance soil health, improve grazing systems with pigs, sheep and cattle, and optimize livestock performance. Seeing these principles in action made the theoretical discussions more tangible and applicable.
A Taste of Local Regenerative Agriculture
The workshop was hosted at the Pure Pastures ranch store, giving participants the opportunity to purchase pasture-raised meats, raw milk products, and other locally sourced artisan goods. This hands-on experience reinforced the importance of direct-to-consumer sales and diversified income streams—a key component of financial resilience in regenerative agriculture. Many attendees appreciated the chance to support a working example of a thriving, holistic farm business.
Practical Insights for Land Stewardship
The afternoon sessions were packed with hands-on learning and expert guidance.
Ken Mix led a demonstration on soil health and rainfall impact, helping attendees understand water infiltration, soil structure, and management strategies for drought resilience.
Isaac Norris from NRCS provided insights into available federal programs and funding opportunities that can support regenerative agriculture efforts.
Christine Martin’s session on holistic planning helped participants identify and address weak links in biological, financial, and social aspects of their operations.
The event wrapped up with an engaging discussion on innovative marketing strategies, where Christine and the Eubanks shared practical ways to increase farm profitability while staying aligned with holistic values. Attendees left with concrete strategies for improving their businesses and building resilience into their operations.
Key Takeaways from the Pure Pastures Workshop
Holistic planning leads to long-term profitability. Participants gained tools for decision-making that balance environmental, financial, and social health.
Soil health and water management are critical. Understanding how to improve rainfall infiltration and soil structure can significantly impact land productivity.
Marketing is as important as management. Attendees learned creative ways to sell their products and differentiate themselves in the market.
Community and mentorship matter. The workshop highlighted the importance of peer support, shared learning, and ongoing accountability through programs like RAMP.
Diversified farm sales enhance resilience. The ability to offer high-quality local products directly to consumers, like those available at the Pure Pastures ranch store, strengthens the economic viability of regenerative farms.
Looking Ahead
The energy and engagement at the Pure Pastures workshop made it clear that regenerative agriculture is not just a trend—it’s the future of resilient farming and ranching. If you missed this event, keep an eye out for future workshops and learning opportunities from Holistic Management International, Small Producer’s Initiative, and other regenerative agriculture leaders.