Learning from the Land: How Holistic Management Transformed Our Farm

At Tyner Pond Farm, we believe in a different kind of farming. We farm based on Holistic Management, a method pioneered by Allan Savory, as the foundation for our practices. We've been fortunate to learn this approach directly from Savory and his wife Jody, having visited his ranch multiple times to learn directly from the source. This approach is a direct response to what we've witnessed with conventional, reductionist methods. Amy Baggott from Tyner Pond Farm gains insights on Holistic Management from Jody Butterfield in Africa. In essence, holistic management emphasizes understanding the interconnectedness of all elements within a system. It promotes finding solutions that benefit the whole, rather than just isolated parts. This stands in contrast to reductionist thinking, which tends to simplify complex issues by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable components. While reductionism can be useful in some contexts, it often leads to overlooking the intricate relationships and feedback loops that define natural systems and get to the root of problems. Take the use of antibiotics in livestock farming. We don't focus treating the symptoms of illness, we ask "why" the animals are getting sick in the first place. We've found that factors like stress, overcrowding, and poor nutrition are often at play. By addressing these root causes – through carefully planned grazing rotations, diverse forage, and ample space – we've eliminated the need for medication on our farm. Holistic management is about seeing the bigger picture. It's about understanding that every decision we make has a ripple effect on our entire ecosystem. We manage our cattle using Management Intensive Grazing (MIG) techniques, mimicking the natural movements of herds to promote healthy soil and plant growth. Our pastured chickens play an integral role too, fertilizing the fields and stimulating biodiversity. Allan Savory provides insights on the water cycle as part of Holistic Management in Africa. The results speak for themselves. Our pastures are vibrant and healthy, our livestock thrive without medication, and our soil is improving year after year. We're building a resilient system that not only produces nutritious food but also sequesters carbon, enhances biodiversity, and protects water quality. Cattle at Tyner Pond Farm enjoying lush, diverse pastures, reflecting holistic grazing practices. Our approach isn't for everyone. It requires patience, careful observation, and a willingness to adapt. But we believe it's the right path forward for our farm and the planet. We're wary of quick fixes and reliance on technology. Instead, we focus on building a healthy ecosystem that can sustain itself in the long run. We invite you to learn more about our practices and the principles of holistic management. It's a journey we're still on, and we're always eager to share what we've learned. We believe this approach holds great promise for a more sustainable, secure and equitable food system.