As the northern hemisphere prepares for green, the Savory Global Network continues to grow. In this month's newsletter, we've got
podcasts, reports, carbon credits, and announcements of new Savory Hubs. We also take a deeper dive into the commonalities between the historic floods and drought sweeping the globe, and towards the end, you can always find upcoming events and ways to get involved.
Let's dive in...
NETWORK
NEWS
WORKING COWS PODCAST Allan Savory: The State of Regenerative Agriculture
Allan discusses common mistakes made by graziers, the future of agriculture, and the absolute necessity of a management plan. Listen Now »
MANITOBA CO-OPERATOR Grassing Up: Finishing Beef on Grass
Jason Rowntree from the Michigan State University Savory Hub explains why forage management is the key to success. Read More »
Q1 2018 New Hubs in the Network
Hubs earning accreditation: New Hampshire, Ohio, & Virginia New Hubs in training: Croatia, Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, & Germany
WHAT
WE'RE READING
HUFFINGTON POST Rapid Decline Of The Natural World New three-year landmark study has grim implications for the future of humanity. Read »
ABC NEWS SYDNEY Decades of Success Show Renewal National Australian study shows regenerative farmers doing better economically, especially in dry years. Read »
SOIL CARBON PROJECT First Gov't Regulated Carbon Credits Paid Credits issued under a government regulated scheme for the first time. Read »
U.N. ENVIRONMENT A Case of Benign Neglect New report identifies the knowledge gaps about sustainability in pastoralism and rangelands. Read »
DIGGING IN
A MONTHLY TOPIC IN GREATER DETAIL Flooding, drought, & functioning water cycles Over the past month, historic floods have wreaked havoc across the midwestern United States,Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and elsewhere. At the same time, Australia faces historic drought conditions.
While these may appear as opposite and separate events, they share a common thread. The events themselves might not have been preventable, but their effects could have drastically reduced.
When lands are mismanaged,
ecosystem health suffers. Bare soils become compacted and lose porosity. Without vegetation, organic matter diminishes. Soils cap over, gravity creates runoff and water pools at the low point. Exposed ground heats up and moisture evaporates.
When lands are properly managed, ecosystems build resilience against flooding, drought, and so much more. We create living soils with adequate structure and porosity so rainfall is absorbed and utilized by plant roots. Trampled plant litter provides shade and cooling. Soil acts as a sponge for quickly absorbing rainfall, but also holding that water in reserve for dry periods.
Put into perspective, a 1% increase in soil organic matter allows an acre of land to store an additional 20,000 gallons of water. Given the frequency of these extreme weather events and their devastating effects, we should be looking to solutions that increase this
incredible water-holding capacity of soil.
We may not be able to change how much rain falls from the sky, but we can change how that rain is used once it touches the ground. We can manage holistically and create properly functioning water cycles for resilient and thriving landscapes.
With 5 billion hectares of grasslands on this planet, that’s a lot of water we can put to better use.
EVENTS
SANTA ROSA, CA / APRIL 3-5 2019 Grassfed Exchange The Grassfed Exchange Conference is a gathering of regenerative ranchers and sustainable food supporters from across the world. Learn more »
CHILE, USA &
GERMANY / APRIL Holistic Management Training Events There are a number of HM training events happening next month in Chile, USA & Germany. Visit the calendar to find one near you. Learn more » UPPERVILLE, VA / SEPTEMBER 29 Outstanding in the Field: Dining Experience Join the Virginia Savory Hub, Ayrshire Farm, on September 29 for a special event featuring cuisine from Chef Tarver King. Learn more »
Regenerating the world’s grasslands with Holistic Management.
Savory Institute, 885 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, Colorado 80302, United States
