
Author Archives
Holistic Ranching: Happy trails from Don Campbell
My first article in Cattlemen appeared 13 years ago in March 2003 under the title Holistic Ranching. I was eager to write but I was also pretty nervous and green at that time. I will be 72 in May and have decided that now is an appropriate time to stop writing. This decision is largely […] Read more

Holistic Ranching: A planned grazing Q & A
Q. What is planned grazing? A. Planned grazing was developed by Allan Savory. It is a term that describes the method used in H M to develop a grazing plan. Planned grazing is designed to stop overgrazing. Q. What is overgrazing? A. Overgrazing is a function of time. It can occur in two ways. The […] Read more
Holistic Ranching: Financial planning
Holistic Management offers a very robust financial planning process. It differs from traditional bookkeeping in several key areas: We are always planning in the future. We would complete our financial plan before the year begins. We set our profit before the year begins. We spend our expense money more wisely. We monitor our plan monthly. […] Read more

Holistic Ranching: Goal setting
Holistic Management is a decision-making process. It is designed to help us make better decisions. The idea is to make decisions that are simultaneously socially, environmentally and financially sound. One definition of HM is: how to care for your people, improve your land and make a profit. There it is, in a nutshell. When you […] Read more

Holistic Ranching: Creating your own success
The desire for success is universal. Our definition of success may vary but deep down we would all like to feel that we are successful. Success is very personal. Each one of us must develop our own definition of success. That is the success I suggest you strive for. Don’t strive for society’s definition of […] Read more

Holistic Ranching: Planning ahead
Questions to help guide your future operation
Winter tends to be a slower season. This might be an ideal time to invest some of our time and energy into planning ahead. Have you ever considered the benefits of making a good written five-year plan? I know some people are averse to planning. A common comment is: “why bother to make a plan?” […] Read more

Holistic Ranching: Drought mitigation
The active part of the 2015 drought is behind us. While this is true it is important to recognize that the effects of the drought will linger for some time. One of the lingering effects of the drought is the stress and pressure it may cause in our families. This can be a serious situation […] Read more

Understanding holistic management
Holistic Ranching with Don Campbell
H M has been in Western Canada for about 30 years. That is a relatively short time for a new concept. The term H M is well known but I suspect there are many people who do not understand what H M is. Lack of understanding can generate fear. If you have heard the term, […] Read more

Holistic Ranching: Benefiting from good times in the cattle business
There is no doubt about it. Good times are here in the cattle business. Prices are at an all-time high for all classes of cattle. The latest Canfax report shows feeder cattle trading $50 to $60 higher (per cwt) than this time last year. On a 500-pound calf that’s an increase of $250 to $300 […] Read more
Holistic Ranching: Improving our land
This year has been designated as the “year of the soil.” This might be an ideal time to reflect on the importance of the land not only to our individual farms but also to society in general. Let me begin with the following: I am the basis of all wealth, the heritage of the wise, […] Read more
Holding back calves this year? We’re here to help. Feeding & backgrounding info relevant to your operation, all in one place. Get tips from the experts to get you through the season in Canadian Cattlemen: The Best of Feeding & Backgrounding.