California Whole Ranch Planning Program Results

On March 30-31, HMI collaborated with the Alameda County Conservation Partnership and UC Cooperative Extension to offer a Holistic Management Whole Ranch Planning workshop in Livermore, California. This introductory course was geared towards beginning ranchers looking to learn key whole ranch planning concepts and principles to help them manage their ranch for the triple bottom line (social, environmental, and financial sustainability), alongside more effectively managing their human, financial, and natural resources. Instructors included Certified Educator Rob Rutherford, Doniga Markegard of Markegard Family Grassfed, and Sheila Barry, a University of California Extension Livestock Advisor. The focus of this program was predominantly on learning the four ecosystem processes, management inventory development, sustainable decision making, grazing management strategies and tools associated with wildlife habitat. The 11 participants that completed post-program surveys managed 13, 960 acres combined. There was a 100% satisfaction rating with the course and there was interest expressed in learning more about Holistic Management. Here are some of the key outcomes from the day: