Celebrating Allan Savory: A Mentor and Inspiration for Tyner Pond Farm

Today, we celebrate the 89th birthday of Allan Savory, a visionary ecologist and the mind behind Holistic Management. His pioneering work has shaped how farms like Tyner Pond Farm operate and thrive. It’s hard to put into words the depth of his influence, not only on us but on regenerative agriculture worldwide. Allan’s approach to land management has become the cornerstone of how we care for our pastures, our animals, and ultimately, the food we provide to our community. Allan Savory was born in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, in 1935. His journey began with a love for wildlife, which he cultivated during his early years as a game ranger and biologist. It was during this time that Allan began noticing the devastating effects of desertification, an issue that seemed only to worsen with conventional land management practices. Many believed that removing livestock was the solution to land degradation, but Allan's observations pointed in a different direction. He saw that removing animals often accelerated the decline of the land. It was in the 1960s that Allan developed the foundational principles of what would later be known as Holistic Management. His work was met with skepticism, especially as it flew in the face of conventional ecological thought. However, he stood by his findings: properly managed grazing, with livestock moving in tight, dense herds as they would in nature, could restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and reverse desertification. He believed that mimicking the natural movements of large herds of wild animals was the key to regenerating degraded land. His ideas were both radical and groundbreaking. He challenged the status quo by promoting the concept of planned grazing—strategic, short-term grazing on sections of land, followed by rest periods that allowed the land to recover and flourish. This method increases biodiversity, improves water retention, and sequesters carbon, leading to healthier soils and more resilient landscapes. Allan Savory explains the principles of Holistic Management to Amy from Tyner Pond Farm during a visit to his ranch in Zimbabwe, offering valuable insights into regenerative agriculture. At Tyner Pond Farm, Allan’s influence has been profound. We’ve had the privilege of visiting his ranch in Zimbabwe several times, where we’ve studied his Holistic Management system firsthand. Seeing how it worked on the ground, in a landscape that once seemed barren and lifeless, was inspiring beyond words. Amy and I learned from Allan directly, soaking in his wisdom and gaining valuable insights that we now apply here in Indiana. Holistic Management has become the guiding principle of our farming practices. We rotate our herds daily, sometimes more than once a day, ensuring that each pasture gets the time it needs to regenerate. This method not only benefits the land but also the livestock. By moving the animals frequently, we create healthier, more nutrient-dense pastures that, in turn, produce healthier animals. This results in the high-quality, grass-fed beef and pasture-raised chicken that our customers trust and rely on. Allan’s work goes beyond just land management. His holistic approach encompasses social, environmental, and economic factors. It’s about seeing the big picture—understanding that everything in nature is interconnected and that our actions on the farm have ripple effects far beyond our property lines. This perspective has helped us shape our mission at Tyner Pond Farm: to regenerate the land, provide healthy food for our community, and create a model of farming that future generations can follow. One of the most significant aspects of Allan’s work is his ability to inspire others to think differently. His TED Talk, “How to Fight Desertification and Reverse Climate Change,” has been watched by millions, opening the world’s eyes to the potential of regenerative agriculture. Allan's message is clear: the current agricultural system is broken, but there is hope. With proper management and a commitment to working with nature, rather than against it, we can heal the land and restore ecological balance. At Tyner Pond Farm, we’ve taken this message to heart. Over the past 15 years, we’ve rehabilitated what was once bare corn and soybean land, stripped of nutrients, and turned it into healthy, vibrant pastures. The transformation hasn’t been easy, but with Allan’s teachings guiding us, we’ve created a farm that’s not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable. We’ve seen firsthand how regenerative practices lead to healthier land, healthier animals, and, ultimately, healthier food. Allan Savory’s impact on the global farming community cannot be overstated. He has given farmers like us the tools and the confidence to step outside the industrial model of agriculture and embrace a more sustainable, regenerative future. His work is not just about farming; it’s about restoring hope to landscapes that were once thought to be beyond repair. As we celebrate Allan’s 89th birthday, we reflect on the immense gratitude we feel for his mentorship and guidance. His life’s work continues to inspire us daily, reminding us that the choices we make today will shape the future of our land, our food, and our communities. Allan Savory has taught us that it’s possible to heal the land, one pasture at a time, and for that, we are forever thankful. Holistic Management is not just a farming technique; it’s a way of life. It’s about seeing the bigger picture, understanding the interconnectedness of all things, and making decisions that benefit the land, the animals, and the people. And on this special day, we honor the man who has made it all possible for us here at Tyner Pond Farm. Thank you, Allan, and happy birthday.