Green Grass in the Spring: A Cowboy's Guide to Saving the World

by Tony Malmberg

His hard-fought wisdom and keen observations are a gift to all of us and this book is true to everything I've known Tony to funny, raw, vulnerable, and real. His stark honesty helps us all reflect on ways we are often to blame for our biggest challenges. Holistic Management can unlock the potential for productivity and diversity on our land, but also living in a way where we can see and fulfill our own potential. --Cory Carman, fourth-generation rancher; mother Through the pages, I found myself becoming more aligned with my dignity and self-worth, recognizing the tremendous value that land stewards offer. If we want intact grasslands for the next seven generations, we must work with a sense of urgency. --Amber Smith, program director for Women in Ranching, Western Landowners Alliance This book is truly about growth from soil to your soul. Embedded in the space between the beautifully crafted words is an invitation for us all to practice our lives as if all life depends upon it. Because it does and Tony proves it. Be prepared to be surprised. --Christopher Cooke, Holistic Management field professional and ecological outcome verifier As a next-generation land manager facing the threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and an uncertain sociopolitical future, I look to the champions of the soil surface to help guide my decisions to help reverse these trends. Tony Malmberg is one such man. --Cody Spencer, bison rancher; Holistic Management practitioner Tony's story is eloquent, joy-providing, and as complete as it can be. The loss of life on this planet is a serious issue. Tony reminds us to ask, "How must we behave, what must we do to promote life--at, above, and below the ground level?" --Kelly Brink, rancher and student of rangeland herbivory, Deer Creek-Sandhills Ranch Properties (TEI) There is an old rancher "If we can just get the cows to green grass in the spring." Farmers, ranchers, ecologists, environmentalists, and others with a conservation ethos understand that HM principles are not easily understood or applied. Green Grass in the Spring provides tremendous clarity as we see through the eyes and learn from the life experiences of Tony Malmberg. --Ron Bolze, professor of rangeland management; executive director of Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition

226 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2022

Reviews

[Melissa Walker]

Green Grass in the Spring is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey towards holistic management after facing a series of challenging events in his life. As a cowboy in N America, Malmberg was faced with a divorce, his father's death, and his farm being bankrupt. These events led him to reevaluate his approach to farming and ranching, and he began to explore the principles of holistic management.

The book is a powerful and inspiring story of resilience and transformation. Malmberg's candid and honest writing style invites readers into his world and allows them to share in his struggles and triumphs. The book is filled with guidance on holistic management, as well as insights into the challenges and rewards of living a more sustainable and connected life.

Overall, Green Grass in the Spring is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in holistic management, sustainable agriculture, or personal transformation. Malmberg's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the potential for positive change in even the most difficult of circumstances.

[Clyde Boyer]

Tony Malmberg writes with such authenticity and clarity. I know the land he comes from and the reticence of ranchers (and farmers) to change their ways. This guy really lived it, I can tell. This is also a really beautiful book I can't recommend enough. If you want to understand regenerative farming practices, this book is a fantastic primer. Better yet, if you want to understand the people that help feed us and the struggles they face, this book is a great place to start.