HM Learning Site:
David West Station for Holistic Management
Ozona, Texas
The West Ranch, a 12,000 - acre property near Ozona, Texas, is another HMI learning site. Ranch Managers, Joe and Peggy Maddox, run a mixed herd of cattle and sheep among a healthy population of deer, turkey, javelina and other species.
See the dramatic results of Holistic Management:
In 2002, when Holistic Management International assumed management of the ranch, approximately 68% of the soil was bare, with 70% of that soil capped with a hard crust, and 40% of the grasses dead or dying. By late 2005, the bare soil had decreased by over 30% and soil capping had decreased by almost 50%. Lastly, dead or dying plants had decreased dramatically, from 50% to 5%.
HMI’s staff at the West Ranch share their knowledge of Holistic Management with schoolchildren and ranchers during field trips and field days. HMI also offers internships for extended learning experiences at the West Ranch.
We also collaborate with academic and government researchers at this facility to learn how Holistic Management can be used to improve soil health, plant diversity and ranch profitability.
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Events, Activities and Opportunities
Field Days
Field Days are excellent learning opportunities, often focused on a particular aspect of Holistic Management.
Please see HMI’s Calendar of scheduled events.
School Field Trips
Local teachers and administrators! Schedule a day at West Ranch and Peggy will customize an educational and fun outdoor experience for your class.
Internships
Holistic Management International offers internships for college-level students and professionals at the West Ranch. For information, please contact HMI at (505) 842-5252.
Opportunities for Scientific Research
With its abundant and varied wildlife and vegetation, the West Ranch offers an ideal environment for a wide range of academic and government research.
Contact Peggy to discuss possible research collaborations or to learn about current research.
Hunting
Hunting of deer, quail and turkey at the West Ranch is enjoyed by enthusiasts who share an appreciation of the ranch’s holistic goal.
In a family-oriented atmosphere, the ranch offers a limited number of campsites, with facilities, on an annual lease basis.
Learn the "how-to" behind the results:
Informative exhibits at the West Ranch offer an open-book view of the ranch’s workings,and at the planning and monitoring involved in Holistic Management. You’ll see:
1. the ranch’s Land Plan, with a map of the ranch and its infrastructure;
2. its Financial Plan, including monthly spreadsheets as well as annual financials;
3. its Grazing Plan in action, on a chart showing where the animals currently are;
4. Biological Monitoring data for the last four years.
For farmers and ranchers especially, the West Ranch experience is an invaluable introduction to Holistic Management.
Visiting the David West Station
Visiting by appointment only:
(325) 392-2292 cell (325) 226-3042
westgift@hughes.net
HMI’s West Ranch is a family operation where visitors receive personal attention, so while the public is always welcome, advance arrangements are required.
For additional information, course listings, schedules and locations
call (505)-842-5252 or email: hmi@holisticmanagement.org