Holistic Management Roadshow Rolling through South Dakota

Learn how holistic management can help you plan for profit

All next week, the South Dakota Grassland Coalition will be traveling across the state spreading the word about holistic management and the benefit it can bring to those in agriculture.

“There are so many things we are unable to control like the weather or the markets but by using holistic management practices, we can help plan for those times of uncertainty,” explains Joshua Dukart, the featured guest speaker at the upcoming roadshows. Dukart is a third generation North Dakota rancher and has been certified in holistic management for over 10 years. A national speaker, Dukart says he is excited to bring some of the lessons he’s learned to South Dakota.

“I am humbled and honored to have been asked to come and speak during this five-day roadshow,” says Dukart. “I hope those who come are able to takeaway something from my failures and the experiences I’ve had while operating a ranch.”

Holistic management is about understanding the ecosystem as interconnected cycles to allow us to more effectively work with nature to improve the health of our land, animals, people, environment and finances. During his presentation at each location Dukart will highlight the three main components of holistic management.

The first pillar is resource management. This includes taking care of everything that is at your disposal including your land, soil, water, crops, animals and the tools you utilize in your day-to-day operations. The second focuses on financials and how you should plan to be profitable. Finally, Dukart says the third component involves your quality of life and the social side of ranching.

“I don’t want to speak for others, but I’ve found that when it comes down to it, it’s the relationships you form and the lifestyle that comes with ranching that is really important.” explains Dukart.

Through this presentation Dukart hopes he can help people lay out a vision for what they want out of their business.

“We really want to be able to use these three pillars of holistic management to help people make decisions not just in the spur of the moment but to help them to make the rational choice during irrational times,” says Dukart. “For example, a few years ago we were going through a drought. Instead of just hoping for rain and making emotional decisions in the moment, we enacted our drought plan. We had already devised a grazing strategy and were ready to put it in place.”

Dukart says that while you hope to never have to use these types of plans, developing them is still just as important.

“It’s this time of planning and preparation that really helps you think through things,” explains Dukart. “By gathering information, you are arming yourself for the future.”

Whether you’ve been a rancher your whole life or are just starting out, Dukart encourages everyone to come and see what holistic management is all about.

“There is something here for everyone,” says Dukart. “Wherever you are in your career, I think you will be able to find value. I encourage you to bring your spouse, your kids, your business partners, anyone wanting to improve their soil, their profitability or their quality of life.”

To learn more about Joshua Dukart and the basics of holistic management, visit his website at seekfirstranch.com.

The Holistic Resource Management Roadshow

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with the event following from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided. The event is free for all current South Dakota Grassland Coalition members. The cost for non-members if $30, which includes a one-year membership to the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.

Monday, December 16th 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

(CST) Watertown– Codington County Extension Complex

RSVP Contact: Jan Rounds or Pete Bauman

(605) 882-5140 janice.rounds@sdstate.edu or

peter.bauman@sdstate.edu

Tuesday, December 17th 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

(CST) Chamberlain AmericInn-Call/Text Judge

Jessop (605) 280-0127

or judge.jessop@sdconservation.net

Wednesday, December 18th 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

(MST) Belle Fourche, Branding Iron

Steakhouse Call/text Dan Rasmussen 605-685-3315