Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Holistic Management?

Holistic Management enables us to manage complexity – managing people, money, and the environment simultaneously while working toward desired outcomes that align with what we value most deeply.

What’s The Difference Between Thinking Holistically And Making Decisions Holistically?

We all think holistically at times; however, you define the term. Making decisions holistically just means you are more intentional about it. You have defined a holistic context, which reflects what is most important to you in terms of quality of life and the resource base that has to support it, and then check to make sure you are aligned with it by running them through seven “context checks” that look at the social, economic and environmental consequences of those decisions. Holistic decision-making is how we activate Holistic Management.

Why Are The “Key Insights” So Important?

The first three insights enabled us to solve the ancient riddle of desertification and to develop solutions:

01.

Two broad types of terrestrial environments respond differently to similar management actions, regardless of total rainfall – those where humidity is high throughout the year and those where it is high periodically. Perennially-humid nonbrittle environments are not prone to desertification no matter how much overgrazing occurs, nor how much the land is damaged by fire, chemicals or machinery, because nature ensures plants rapidly cover and protect the soil (though this doesn’t mean you have the diversity of plant and animal life or the productivity you desire). Seasonally-humid brittle environments lose biodiversity even in protected research plots, and desertification occurs under those same influences. No amount of burning, chemical applications, or earth moving (to plant trees or build swales) can prevent it other than on small land areas high and permanent cost.
Two horses grazing in a lush field in Ontario, Canada
Farmer surveys his land with the sun behind him

02.

Large herding herbivores, in the presence of pack-hunting predators, once played a critical role in maintaining the health of biological communities by enhancing the rapid biological decay of vegetation in seasonally humid, brittle environments.

03.

Overgrazing was for centuries believed to be due to too many animals – a belief unsupported by science. Only plants are grazed, and overgrazing depends on how many days plants are exposed to grazing animals or how many days plants have to recover before being grazed again, regardless of animal numbers.

04.

The fourth insight was that land alone was unmanageable because people’s culture, economies and nature are inseparable. Management, in any sphere, must be holistic if we are to avoid unintended and unfavourable consequences, such as the desertification, mega-fires and climate change that are spiralling out of control now.

Why Do We Focus On Brittle Environments?

The bulk of Earth’s land surface lies in environments that are brittle to some degree and thus more prone to desertification. Because climate change can only be tackled meaningfully by tackling desertification, and because we now have a way to regenerate desertifying environments, we have focused there.

Why Don’t We Focus On Best Management Practices?

Best management practices are prescriptive by definition. And they cannot apply to every culture, economy or environment because of the inherent complexity. Specific actions must be checked to ensure they align with your holistic context. If you have a list of best management practices, consider them, but run each through the checks. Have you identified the cause of the problem, and will this practice address it? Is this something you should be tackling now? And so on.

Ecosystem Processes & The Tools To Manage Them

Why do we focus on the soil surface when trying to identify the condition of the four ecosystem processes?

Because the first signs of change in any of the four processes – water cycle, mineral cycle, community dynamics and energy flow – will show up there. Before plant species change, the soil surface will tell you in what direction they are likely to move – good or bad in terms of your holistic context – so you can change your management before it takes you in the wrong direction.

Farmer surveys his land with the sun behind him

About Cory Van Goningen

Cory Van Groningen is an active figure in the regenerative agriculture sector, playing multiple roles within the Harvest to Gather ecosystem. He oversees brands such as Olliffe, Rowe Farms, and VG Meats, integrating them under a unified vision of Holistic management that leads to regenerative outcomes. As a Field Professional in Holistic Management, Cory is affiliated with Holistic Management Canada, where his expertise contributes significantly to advancing agricultural methodologies.

In addition to his work in Canada, Cory serves as a Hub Verifier for the Canadian Hub of the Savory Institute, an international organization dedicated to promoting large-scale restoration of the world’s grasslands through holistic management. His commitment to regenerative agriculture is further exemplified by his role as the founder of the Ecosystem Hub in Ontario, where he focuses on creating and supporting regenerative agriculture training and monitoring.

Cory is available for discussions about opportunities to maximize regenerative impact in agriculture. Stakeholders, partners, and individuals interested in sustainable farming practices can schedule a meeting with Cory to explore collaboration possibilities and strategies for enhancing ecological regeneration. His work and expertise make him a valuable resource for those looking to make a significant, positive impact on the environment and agriculture.

Resources

Savory Institute’s YouTube channel has some great resources. See:

Understanding the Brittleness
Scale with Allan Savory
Watch Now
An Effective Water Cycle
with Allan Savory
Watch Now