Re: Holistic resource management
E. Ann Clark, Associate Professor (ACLARK@crop.uoguelph.ca)
Thu, 11 Jan 1996 13:31:24 EDT
Folks: HRM is a fairly recent phenomenon in North American livestock
agriculture (last 15-20 years or so). It has been most widely
accepted in arid-land grazing systems, the type of land from which
it originated if I recall correctly. Author is Allan Savory -
formerly of Parsons and Savory, a couple of vigorously
entrepreneurial grazing/farm management specialists who have since
split the blanket and now operate under different company names. HRM
has very strong supporters - often ranchers who have benefitted
personally from the teaching - and very strong detractors - often
academics and resource management specialists who see it as cult-like
- essentially nothing more than good, solid management information in
an expensive package. I have no position on it myself, but you can
find out more about it by buying the book(s) - text and workbook -
available through Island Press. Can usually be seen advertised in
Stockman Grass Farmer.
Although the context for HRM is livestock, grass management, and
grazing, the overall focus is whole farm management, with an emphasis
on identifying objectives and goals, concensus, teamwork, etc. In
that sense, it is probably workable on any complex question - not
just livestock or even just agriculture.
HRM is taught through intensive, hands-on workshops - quite pricey if
memory serves - that last for several days. Hope this helps. Expect
you'll hear from others with more details. Ann
ACLARK@crop.uoguelph.ca
Dr. E. Ann Clark
Associate Professor
Crop Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
Phone: 519-824-4120 Ext. 2508
FAX: 519 763-8933