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From Tricks to Transformation: The Case for Self-Driven Education


Barry Meijer
Greg Brann (left) and I were surprised at how in this super clayey soil, water colored with pond dye (blue patch in front of my chest) emerged at the bottom of this soils pit. We placed a large infiltration ring of colored water about a foot away from the pit’s edge – this was a powerful illustration of how water can follow macropores.

By: Buz Kloot


I really despise the word "training." We train dogs to do tricks and potty train kids—something I was all too aware of while babysitting my 30-month-old grandson this weekend. Maybe it’s the nonconformist in me, or perhaps I’m just becoming a grumpy old man. Who knows? Sure, we need to go through various training—safety, pesticide application, even pilot training—just to navigate the hoops of life, whether we run our own farm or work for an organization. My issue with training is its compulsory feel; too often, it feels like an ordeal to endure. Let’s face it: when I’m “doing” training, it’s usually for someone else and not directly for me.


A Transformative Experience


But when it comes to education, that’s a whole different ball game—one that’s way more rewarding and invigorating! Education is something we do for ourselves, and let’s be honest, we owe it to ourselves! I had a real eye-opener at the “Grazing for Soil Health” workshop hosted by Terry Chandler near Danielsville, GA. Sure, I was a presenter, but I ended up learning way more than I taught. Terry’s story is a gem; he bought his farm in 1987 after it had been abandoned for four years—centuries of monoculture cropping had left the land looking pretty sad.


The real magic happened during the farm tour. We explored a soil pit, checked out infiltration rings stationed in different places in the pasture, and marveled at Terry’s new silvopasture site, not to mention a draw where switchgrass reigned supreme. Despite the sweltering 90-plus degree heat, there was no shortage of questions and lively discussions—people were there to soak it all in, and for just a $20 registration fee, you know they got their money’s worth! Big thanks to the Rolling Hills RC&D for keeping us all hydrated.


Terry Chandler discussing his Silvopasture with the group.

The next day was packed with high-quality presentations from Greg Brann and Pat Keyser.


Greg shared a great deal of good, practical advice with us. But here’s what caught my attention, Greg has changed his operation’s mission statement from:


A healthy, low-stress, low-cost grazing operation that improves the environment, life, and production while being consistently profitable.

To:

Managing the land for life to create miracles and a magical landscape. Striving to inspire others to improve the land.



Pat Keyser wowing us with talk of native grasses. In the background you can see Terry Chandler emerging from his stand of switchgrass.

I have personally experienced some of that magic on prairie where (at the SD Grassland Coalition Grazing School in Summit SD) we identified 60+ species in less than 30 minutes and a 1 square foot area that contained 19 different species. How is that not miraculous? And this isn’t some whimsical fantasy; it’s the magic that unfolds when we pay attention to natural systems and let our plants and livestock thrive in their ecological roles.


Now, I’ll admit I’ve unfairly associated native grasses with the West, but Dr. Pat Keyser changed my mind in just 90 minutes, showing us what’s possible with native pastures in the Southeast. My next project? Native pasture, for sure! I left Danielsville that Saturday, tired but elated, grateful for the knowledge and the camaraderie I found among fellow learners—what started as strangers turned into a community of kindred spirits. I spent $25 on his book “Native Grass Forages for the Eastern U.S., and I think that was a steal.


Embracing a Beginner’s Mind


As I reflect on the valuable insights gained from the "Grazing for Soil Health" workshop, I am reminded of the importance of approaching learning with a beginner's mind. This mindset not only opens us to new perspectives but also empowers us to challenge our assumptions and bring fresh ideas back to our operations.


Take Charge of your Education this Fall!


As fall approaches, I encourage you to seize the opportunity to expand your knowledge. Check out the Heart of America Grazing Conference where Greg’s farm at Big Springs near Adolphus Kentucky will be featured in the pasture walk.

In South Dakota we have some golden opportunities for education. There is a 3-day Regenerate School with Joshua and Tara Dukart from November 19-21, 2024 – here’s the link to register: Holistic Range Management School - South Dakota Grassland Coalition (sdgrass.org)



The SD Soil Health Coalition’s 2025 Soil Health Conference will be held on Jan 15-16 2025 in Watertown, SD. This is a well-run event with high quality speakers and 2025 promises not to disappoint.


Do this for yourself! If you don’t then who will? Check out these events, mark your calendars and invest in your education—because the more we learn together, the healthier our lands and communities will become. Let’s build a thriving community dedicated to regenerating our landscapes, because together, we can spark real change!


Visit these “Growing Resilience Through Our Soils” information pages:

1. Podcast page for drought planning fact sheets, Q&As, news, podcasts, and more.

2. Video page to watch videos of other ranchers’ journeys toward improved rangeland/pasture.

3. Follow Growing Resilience on social media:

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