A paradigm is a basic assumption or way of thinking that is commonly accepted. A paradigm might be defined as: how we see things. They may be true or untrue but if paradigms are accepted they have tremendous power on our ability to think or to accept new knowledge. In his book The Structure of […] Read more
The power of paradigms
We can all benefit by just being willing to challenge our way of thinking
The Greater Sage Grouse
Four key insights from the man who developed 'Holistic Management'
I recently attended a meeting in Medicine Hat, Alta. The meeting was sponsored by The Western Stock Growers’ Association and Sustainable Canada (a group of concerned ranchers). The meeting dealt with the fact that the greater sage grouse has been declared an endangered species. This was followed by an Emergency Order for the Protection of […] Read more
Planned grazing makes for healthier pastures
Each year we are presented with an opportunity to graze our cattle in a manner that will improve our land, increase our profit and make us more sustainable. Planned grazing works. It has been shown to be beneficial under all environments. Planned grazing has the potential to increase or even double the production on a […] Read more
Supplying consumer demand
We are all aware that beef prices in all segments of the industry are at an all-time high. This is most welcome but it might also be a great time for our industry to examine what is happening and why. It is easier for an individual business and an industry to adjust in good times. […] Read more
Seizing the opportunity
Positive change and things to review in your cattle operation
In March I offered three suggestions for benefiting from the better times, invest in your people, manage to improve your land and don’t spend your money before you actually have it. I think these three still stand. This month’s article is about how to adjust to the better times so that we will have more […] Read more
Benefiting from good times
Cattle prices have trended higher since the start of the year. This is most welcome news. But the strong market raises an interesting question. How do you plan to spend the extra money? The traditional response to higher prices has been to let our cost of production rise. If we are not careful we can […] Read more
Planned grazing
There is a lot of misinformation about the beneficial or detrimental effects cattle may have on land. This is unfortunate. Various groups often have serious disagreements depending on whether they see cattle as beneficial or detrimental to the land. Often both groups are sincere and in fact, both may be correct in their viewpoints. Often […] Read more
Planning for 2014
For most of us the winter months are the slowest work-wise. This might be an ideal time to do some strategic planning for 2014. Rest assured that thinking and planning will pay more than working. Many jobs can be delegated or hired out. Thinking and planning require that we do the hard work. One of […] Read more
The Cost Of Feeding
There are two main costs to wintering cows, the feed and the cost of putting out the feed. There is quite a bit of awareness about the cost of feed. Most of us are at least aware of the term least-cost ration. Feedlots do an excellent job in this area. In the cow-calf sector there […] Read more
Holistic Ranching – for Oct. 10, 2011
Fall is fast approaching and winter is just around the corner. I thought this might be an appropriate time to point out some of the benefits of Holistic Management (HM). Most courses are held during the winter. One could be held in your local community this winter. Here are some of the benefi ts that […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
