Learning Sites: The David West Station for
Holistic Management®
The West Ranch, a 12,000 - acre property near
Ozona, Texas, is another HMI learning site. Ranch Managers, Joe and Peggy Maddox, run a mixed herd of cattle and sheep among a healthy population of deer, turkey, javelina and other species.
In 2002, when Holistic Management® International assumed management of the ranch, approximately 68% of the soil was bare, with 70% of that soil capped with a hard crust, and 40% of the grasses dead or dying. By late 2005, the bare soil had decreased by over 30% and soil capping had decreased by almost 50%. Lastly, dead or dying plants had decreased dramatically, from 50% to 5%.
HMI’s staff at the West Ranch share their knowledge of Holistic Management® with schoolchildren and ranchers during field trips and field days.
HMI also offers internships for extended learning experiences at the West Ranch.
We also collaborate with academic and government researchers at this facility to learn how Holistic Management® can be used to improve soil health, plant diversity and ranch profitability.
Public Lands / Agricultural Agencies