In this episode Designers of Paradise host Erik van Lennep talks with Mimi Hillenbrand of 777 Bison Ranch in South Dakota. In the Hillenbrand family for over 40 years, the ranch has been home for American Bison for over 30 years. Erik & Mimi discuss a recent wildfire, the critical role using a holistic management system plays on her ranch, genetics of bison, improvements in soil quality, and the commitment (and learning) of her ranch team. Mimi talks about the value of mentoring but mentions, as in previous podcasts, the importance of helping young people find land to ranch.  Nonetheless, she says she’s “living my dream”.

Mimi also points out that Bison are “hard on fences. If they want to go somewhere, they’re going to go somewhere.”

References from the discussion:

* Short grass prairie

* American Bison

* Cap Rock Texas State Park’s, original Goodnight herd

* Savory Institute

 

 

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