‘Holistic Cowboys’ Try To Rehab The Range

(Flickr/kiwanja)

You’ve almost certainly heard of the “green revolution,” the movement to increase agricultural production in developing countries. But what about the “brown revolution”?

According to proponents, this movement, which is taking hold from the western plains of the U.S. to the plains of Africa, can avert global catastrophe by changing the way we allow large animals to graze.

Also known as “holistic land management” the goal is to use large grazing animals to restore dried out grasslands, and improve water tables and combat global climate change.

The movement was founded by Allan Savory in Africa 40 years ago, and it’s now growing in the United States as well.

The Atlantic: Increasing Agricultural Productivity Naturally
Capital Lab: Field Guide To Investing In Grasslands
The Savory Institute: Healing The Grasslands Of The World

Guest:

Jim Howell, Colorado rancher and co-founder and CEO of Grasslands LLC, which attracts venture capital and runs education programs to further the movement

We welcome comments from all of our listeners. Post below. Please stay on topic and be civil. Comments may be moderated by us, but you are solely responsible for the content of your comments.

Cara Hines

I only recently discovered holistic land management practices, and I’m enthralled. For the first time in my life, I can almost imagine myself being involved with my family’s ranch in NW Texas, something I’ve always considered a burdensome, loathsome prospect. I’ve read every online article and resource I can find on the subject. Just a few days ago, I came across an article about Howell, Dalton, and partner Jones on http://www.theatlantic.com–it is arguably the most compelling story I’ve found on the subject. These men are articulate, passionate, intelligent, and breathe fresh air into the subject in a way that may actually succeed in garnering the support the movement has otherwise struggled to win. So I am tickled to discover this interview of them. Thank you!!
- Anonymous
  
  I felt the same about my family’s farm until I discovered Permaculture and holisitc management and now I’m really excited and have hope and much to learn!