The bulk of the ideas in this book came through Allan Savory, out of his long study of the land, and the work of many others besides. Some of the ideas and refinements have also come out of the experiences of the Savory Institute’s founders. However, we are especially indebted to the consultants and educators associated with the Savory Institute, who have been so generous in sharing the knowledge they’ve gained through working with hundreds of practitioners on several continents. We’ve done our best to include that learning here but know we haven’t captured it all.
Several educators—Bruce Ward, Jim Howell, Brian Marshall, Richard King, Jim Weaver, Bill Casey, Craig Leggett, Phil Metzger, S. O. (Dick) Richardson, and Doug Warnock—reviewed various drafts of the manuscript, providing feedback that enhanced the clarity of this book and catching errors that would have proved embarrassing. Ranchers George Whitten, Tony Malmberg, and Joe Morris did their best to spot impractical examples and confusing statements, and any they didn’t catch are not their fault. Joe and Peggy Maddox, managers of the West Ranch near Ozona, Texas, willingly served as guinea pigs as we tested refinements to the procedures, and they taught us much. Medals for patience, forbearance, grace under pressure, and other godly virtues go to our graphic artist, Marce Rackstraw, and Island Press editors Barbara Youngblood and Barbara Dean.
Dedication
To the ranchers and farmers who, in putting these ideas into practice, have shown what is possible and inspired us all.