Holistic Management

Melisa Yestrau, MEnv Candidate
University of Manitoba
2005 – present

During these challenging times in agriculture, especially with the advent of BSE, how can farm families reach goals that assist them to produce good profits while conserving the land and a good quality of life? For a growing number of Canadian farmers, this answer has been sought through the adoption of Holistic Management. Developed by Alan Savory in 1988, Holistic Management is a decision making framework that promotes the establishment of a single holistic goal, which includes quality of life, plans for income generation, and the future vision for the land (Savory, 1999). In addition to goal setting, a variety of management tools are promoted – grazing, rest, animal impact, and technology, along with continual monitoring.

Despite the real and potential value that Holistic Management holds for farmers, especially those with livestock, the benefits and challenges have never been formally assessed. This project will serve to provide the information needed for farmers, rural communities, and conservation organizations that are interested in promoting rural livelihoods, providing for the environment, and building stronger communities. Importantly, this project will assess the role of HM in contending with the strains associated with BSE. Although this research focuses on HM practitioners, the results of the study will be relevant for other farmers and livestock producers interested in sustainable management practices.

Project Objectives

The objective of this research is to document the environmental, economic, and social impacts attributed to the practice of Holistic Management on the farm.

More specifically, we will:

• Assess the motivations of farmers to practice HM;
• Explore the major barriers faced by those who practice this stewardship approach
• Explore how HM affects surrounding rural communities;
• Assess the role of HM in mitigating stress associated with BSE.

Research Tools

• Mail out survey
• Individual interviews
• Focus group interviews

Community Partners

• The Big Grass Group

Funding

• Manitoba Conservation’s Sustainable Development Innovations Fund
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Contact

Melisa Yestrau
yestrau@cc.umanitoba.ca