Alejandro Carrillo is the owner of the Las Damas Ranch located in Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert. Before becoming a full-time rancher, Alejandro enjoyed a successful career as an IT consultant. But in 2004, he made the decision to leave the software industry and join his family's ranching business. Since then, he has revitalized the Las Damas Ranch by implementing holistic management principles–strategies and tactics that have allowed the arid landscape to thrive despite rarely receiving more than 10 inches of rain annually. Alejandro is a highly sought-after speaker and educator on many topics related to holistic management. He's a gifted teacher, a creative thinker, and a humble leader.

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1:50 - Alejandro's career in IT

4:30 - About Las Damas Ranch

8:50 - When and how did Alejandro learn of Holistic Ranch Management

13:20 - Alejandro's mentors

16:15 - Management changes to Las Damas

21:00 - How many pastures at Las Damas then and now?

24:00 - How many head of cattle then and now?

25:45 - Working with The Nature Conservancy

29:00 - New challenges Alejandro faces

33:20 - What does Alejandro look for in employees

38:45 - Alejandro's teaching ability and workshops

44:00 - What does teaching do for Alejandro personally

49:00 - Must read books

52:00 - Why should a lifelong city-dweller care about the land?

55:00 - Common misconceptions

59:00 - What gives Alejandro hope for the future

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RESOURCES:

Grasslands Regeneration Project

The Savory Institute

Jim Gerrish

Stockman Grass Farmer Magazine

Las Damas Ranch Case Study

Grazing for Rain - Alejandro Carrillo

Ranch Resilience with Alejandro Carrillo