There can be a world of difference between a range scientist's work and the bottom line for a full time livestock producer. At times, each one's goal may be conflicting; and due to the reductionist nature of science, the resulting recommendation to producers may address one aspect of a producer's operation without fully exploring the functional impact it may have on the whole operation. Holistic Management? provides a framework that guides a producer through a thorough evaluation of the functional relationships within his operation and includes a set of decision-making guidelines for selecting choices to move the producer in a congruent line toward his personal goal. The Holistic Management model also includes a detailed set of planning modules that provide a disciplined approach to application of management tactics coupled with monitoring in order to frequently, if not daily, evaluate whether or not operational movement is, in fact, moving toward his personal goal. Using this framework, a producer can receive scientific recommendations and effectively evaluate the impact of the recommendation on the whole of the operation and more effectively utilize it to his advantage. Furthermore, continuous monitoring of operations on all levels including grazing provides the necessary feedback for quick and efficient adaptations to keep the operation moving in a positive direction.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.