LandLivestockPlant Systems

Occam’s Grazer – an Introduction to Holistic Management

Occam’s Grazer provides an introduction to Holistic Management and holistic grazing as well as many powerful insights, philosophies, and useful ideas from people who are using the framework and practices every day. This video is a must for anyone who wants to learn more about taking a holistic approach to grazing in their ranch business, how it works, and the potential benefits. It was designed to be a resource for ranchers, potential ranchers, environmentalists, and educators, but is also being well received by the general public.

Further Reading/Watching:

6 Comments

  1. Great video, really gets you thinking. I wonder if one could use portable electric fencing on contour and have a positive effect?

  2. I about to get busy re-promoting the possibility of running a HM courses in South Australia. I have been in conversation with Brian Wehlburg who is an excellent teacher and is ready to head over here to run a course. Please send me an email at dan at frenchenviro.com if you are interested in attending and I can forward you more details.

  3. I am about to get busy re-promoting the possibility of running a HM course in South Australia. It will be run by Brian Wehlburg who is an excellent teacher and is ready to head over here if we can fill enough places. Please send me an email (dan at frenchenviro.com) if you are interested in attending and I can forward you more details. The skills learnt are an excellent addition to the skills gained via permaculture.

  4. The nice thing about portable electric fencing is that it is versatile. The portable posts can be put anywhere where you can step them into the ground. In addition the wire can be strung on branches or shrubs and still conduct well. I’ve seen it used in many places/ways. The fence line can be curved or zig zagged. I see no reason why it wouldn’t work for your situation.

    By all means attend a Holistic Management course and learn more about it. Someone there may have experience with your type of landscape. Permaculture and Holistic Management complement each other well.

    Sandra Matheson
    Holistic Management Educator
    USA

  5. Hello Jeramiah, looking at weed control, holistic principles force you to look at the bigger picture rather than focus on the particular problem. Asking what environment Salt Cedar likes and what management tools have been used to promote the proliferation of Salt Cedar to the point it is viewed as an invasive pest. Not being familiar with the Cedar but Wikipedia states – “Tamarix species are fire-adapted, and have long tap roots that allow them to intercept deep water tables. They usually grow on saline soils, tolerating up to 15,000 ppm soluble salt and can also tolerate alkali conditions”. Developing management techniques that limit the use of fire and encourage a functioning water cycle such as increasing soil organic matter would then be the first steps before focusing on the plant itself. Making decisions using Holistic Management result in long term solutions rather than constant expensive band aids which are sadly so often the case conventionally.

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