Holistic Management - Transitioning Mindset & Farming. With Sheila Cooke [3LM Savory Network UK]

We Are Carbon

Episode Links:

Sheila's work: https://www.3lm.network/

TED Talk by Allan Savory: https://www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_fight_desertification_and_reverse_climate_change

Video version of this episode: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/holistic-management-transition-mindset-farming/

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In this interview I'm joined by Sheila Cooke to gain an overview of the concepts of holistic management, and learn how this whole systems thinking approach is supporting a transition to more regenerative methods of farming.

As co-founder of 3LM (The Savory Network Hub for the UK & Ireland) Sheila's work involves assisting farmers in their transition to more regenerative practices.

It's driven in many ways by the mindset shift that takes things away from prescriptive inputs, linear thinking and controlling things by treating isolated symptoms, and moves them instead towards an understanding and appreciation of the farm as a part of nature that is a whole interconnected living system.

In the discussion we put a main focus on holistic grazing for pasture raised animals, and since it really can be quite a leap to take things from one approach to the other, we discuss some comparisons between the contrasting mindsets and Sheila offers many insights into the challenges and solutions that she's been through with farmer's on their journeys to adopting change.

Among the experience shared here we touch upon what's unique to holistic grazing when it comes to the UK climate, the place of meat within land regeneration and human diet, and the role of the consumer as a driving force to push forward a regenerative transition.