Grazing Planning for Resilience
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
Guest blog by P. Wade Ross and Linda Pechin-Long
What does effective grazing really look like — and why does it matter?
That question guided a recent gathering of Holistic Management educator trainees in Decatur, Texas. Over the course of two days, we came together to deepen our understanding of planned grazing as a tool not only for managing livestock, but for regenerating land, improving resilience, and supporting leadership in agriculture.
Our group included both new and experienced producers who are currently training to become educators in their own communities. Together, we explored how thoughtful grazing decisions can shift outcomes for soil, animals, people, and enterprises.
Grounding in the “Why”
We began the workshop by asking a fundamental question: Why does planned grazing matter?
It’s a question that reaches beyond personal experience or enterprise scale. It invites us to look at the role grazing plays in improving soil health, the water cycle, animal well-being, and community resilience.
For some trainees — especially those not currently raising livestock — the question initially felt abstract. But as the training progressed, they began to connect the dots between grazing and the larger food and ecological systems they’re already part of.
Personally, we believe grazing is one of the most powerful tools we have for regenerating land — especially when it’s done with purpose and clear planning. One trainee shared: “As a family who loves livestock, we’ve mapped out a small, safe-to-fail area on our ranch to start implementing what we’re learning. We want to build our skills in a way that makes sense for our context.”
That kind of intention — grounded in care for land, animals, and people — is why grazing matters.
Seeing It in Action
A visit to the Dixon Water Foundation’s Leo Ranch allowed participants to observe regenerative grazing firsthand. From paddock layout to plant diversity, body condition scoring to ground cover assessment — every part of the landscape reflected intentional choices. For many, it was the first time seeing how animal impact, grazing, and forage recovery could be coordinated in such a clear, results-driven way.
We also explored some key numbers that helped bring the concept to life:
Feed costs such as hay can be reduced by 30–80%
Labor efficiency increases, with up to 65% less time spent managing livestock
A 1% increase in soil organic matter allows the land to retain up to 20,000 more gallons of water per acre
Building Skills and Confidence
Back indoors, we focused on grazing planning tools and how to integrate the decision-making framework. Using the HMI grazing chart and real-world case studies, participants worked in teams to build full season grazing plans. They estimated recovery periods, matched forage supply with animal demand, and evaluated options for building flexibility into their systems.
The key insight? Grazing isn’t just about moving animals. It’s about making decisions with intention — decisions that reflect your land, your animals, your goals, and your values.
A Shift in Perspective
For many of the educator trainees, this workshop marked a turning point. Several participants who had never worked with livestock before expressed a deeper appreciation for the role animals can play in ecological restoration.
One participant reflected, “I used to think grazing was something you figured out day by day. Now I understand that planning ahead creates freedom — for me, for my animals, and for my land.”
That kind of mindset shift is exactly what we hope to inspire — because it's from that space that confident educators and resilient producers emerge.
Why Grazing Matters to Consumers
One of the most meaningful takeaways came from participants who don’t currently raise livestock — several of whom operate small urban farms. For them, the concept of grazing initially felt distant or unrelated to their work.
But as the training unfolded, something shifted.
They began to see how regenerative grazing fits into a larger system — one that connects soil health, food quality, water resilience, and community well-being. Even without animals in their operation, they realized they’re part of that system.
As one trainee reflected: “I don’t raise animals in my urban garden, but I see now how planned grazing supports the bigger picture. It impacts the quality of our food, the health of the soil across the region, and how we show up for other producers in our community.”
That moment of clarity reminded us why this work matters beyond the pasture.
When livestock are managed through thoughtful, planned grazing, the benefits ripple out far and wide:
Healthier soil means more nutrient-dense food for everyone
Increased water retention improves resilience to droughts and floods
Humane animal handling reflects values of respect and care
Stronger local food systems support small-scale producers and regenerative land stewards
As consumers, every food choice is an opportunity to support these outcomes. And for educators — even those in urban spaces — understanding how grazing connects to ecological and human health can be a powerful teaching tool in their communities.
Looking Ahead
Whether you're managing five or 5000 acres, or simply choosing how to source your food, grazing planning offers a path toward healthier land, animals, and communities. It brings structure and intention to what can often feel like reactive decision-making — especially in the face of economic or environmental uncertainty.
We're proud of the work these educator trainees are doing. They’re not just learning the mechanics of planned grazing — they’re stepping into leadership and helping others do the same.
This workshop was made possible through a grant-funded collaboration between the Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community-Based Organization (TSFRCBO) and Holistic Management International (HMI), supporting the development of educator trainees and regenerative producers across Texas.
P. Wade Ross is the CEO of Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community Based Organization, and Linda Pechin-Long is an HMI Professional Certified Educator.
