Becoming a Whole Farm Trainer with HMI
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Guest blog by Veronica Petty, Simply Grace Gardens LLC
My journey into regenerative agriculture and holistic stewardship began with a powerful collaboration between Texas Small Farmers & Ranchers Community-Based Organization (TSFRCBO) and Holistic Management International (HMI). At the initial meeting at University of North Texas—Dallas, I was asked to share my experience as an urban gardener.
Later, I was accepted into the cohort and encountered phrases such as "ecosystem processes, management inventory, and Holistic Management," without initially understanding the significance of those terms. Stepping into the world of regenerative agriculture through the Whole Farm Trainer program was more than professional development; it was a transformational journey that redefined my relationship with land, people, and purpose.
Before learning about ecosystem processes, my focus was solely on the soil within my garden beds. I thought if I kept those spaces healthy, I was doing enough. The core principles of Holistic Management taught me about the inter-connectedness of energy flow, water cycle, mineral cycle, and biological community dynamics across the entire landscape. I began paying closer attention to ground cover, diversity, and micro-climates throughout my entire landscape. I now use cover crops intentionally, and as a result, I've seen fewer bare spots, stronger soil structure, and improved moisture retention even during hot Texas spells. This broader environmental view has helped me move from managing isolated garden beds to nurturing a resilient, self-sustaining whole system.
After completing the management inventory exercise, I was able to identify tangible assets such as land, tools, and seeds. I quickly realized that I had not previously considered many intangible resources. In addition to physical assets, we have a collaborative relationship with neighbors, support from local businesses that provide spaces for workshops and events, my personal expertise, instructional skills, gardening experience, and a community network that supports our organization’s mission. This process emphasized resources that were not solely material. Inspirations included people, connections, and knowledge that play a significant role in Simply Grace Gardens’ development. As a result, there is an increased focus on the core components sustaining the work: community, creativity, and conviction.
Writing my Holistic Goal for the Whole Farm Trainer Program was transformative, shifting from a simple planning exercise to clarifying what truly matters to me in life and on the farm. I realized Simply Grace Gardens was not just a business, but a space for healing, education, and connection across generations. My Quality-of-Life statement highlights the importance of engaging both elders and youth, valuing relationships as much as the land. This clarity now shapes my focus on partnerships, inter-generational workshops, and family well-being in all aspects—mental, physical, and spiritual.
The most beautiful part of writing my Holistic Goal was the vision that came to life through my family:
• Keith Sr., my husband, captures our journey through the lens of his camera, helping us tell our story with grace and truth.
• Keith Jr., our son, contributes to building and maintaining the farm by assisting with practical tasks and implementing new projects.
• Jessica, our tech-savvy daughter, oversees our digital presence, trains the family, and maintains a mission-driven website.
• Jacqueline leads our research, handles marketing, and manages back-office work.
• And our grandchildren, full of imagination and joy, help shape workshops through kid-friendly art and expression.
Due to our holistic approach, every family member has a role that corresponds to their individual characteristics and abilities, enabling contributions to collective efforts. In addition to working on the land, we are committed to fulfilling this objective. Simply Grace Gardens has evolved beyond its original purpose as a site for food cultivation. It now stands as a testament to the results achievable through intentional growth, purposeful living, and encouraging development together with family.
Every decision now flows from one central question:
Does this support our holistic goal? Does it bring healing, wholeness, and purpose to our land, our family, and our community?
Having HMI Certified Educator Linda Pechin‑Long as my mentor during this Whole Farm Trainer program has helped so much as she brings clarity, confidence, and a sense of connection throughout my progress in regenerative agriculture. Linda supported me in customizing Holistic Management tools, such as ecosystem processes and defining a holistic goal, to specifically suit my operation and long-term vision. Through her guidance, I have developed a comprehensive Management Inventory, refined my Quality-of-Life statement, and leveraged these resources to re-imagine Simply Grace Gardens as a purposeful, multi-generational, healing environment. With Linda’s expertise, my family and I were able to define a holistic goal and formulate a broader life plan. Her mentorship brought purpose and cohesion to my work, viewing regenerative agriculture not merely as a collection of tasks but as an integrated, relationship-driven approach. I appreciate Linda both as a mentor and friend.
This journey is still unfolding as I continue to work toward completing the Whole Farm Trainer program and obtaining my certification while expanding my ability to teach and consult with integrity and depth. As a Whole Farm Trainer, I will have the opportunity to serve as a bridge between what I have learned and those I am called to teach; urban growers, elders, youth, and families who want to reconnect with the land and their wellness. But even now, I see the fruit of what was planted in that first meeting with TSFRCBO and HMI where a dream became a reality through a commitment to legacy, land, and liberation through knowledge.
If you are a grower, rancher, or aspiring land steward, this path is for you. The support, the training, and the transformation are real. There’s room at this table for everyone who wants to grow with purpose. And the land is waiting.
To learn more about Simply Grace Gardens LLC go to: https://simplygracegardensllc.com/
