Daniela Ibarra-Howell
“With an innate capacity to assess and read the land, and an unparalleled understanding of the ranching culture, Spencer brings a no-nonsense approach to tackling the unrealized potential of a landscape and livestock operation through deep and practical expertise in Holistic Management.”
Will Harris, White Oak Pastures
“I know most of the acknowledged experts that make their living practicing and teaching regenerative land management. I know Spencer Smith to be in the top three of the dozens of practitioners that currently occupy this space. Beyond that, Spence understands the practical applications that go beyond the science. I have had him advise me on my farm several times, and I intend intend to have him many more.”
Allan Savory, Savory Institute Founder
“I’ve had the chance to work with Spence several times over the years and have always found him open to learning, knowledgeable and considerate. He is good at coaching others not from training and theory, but from years of hands-on experience as a rancher himself. I have no hesitation in recommending Spence.”
Dave Voth, Ranch Manager
“Spencer was instrumental in helping us evaluate the viability of our ranching operations. He was able to navigate the complexities of a large, non-agriculture corporate structure and gave us the tools we needed to succeed.”
Sarah Gleason, Owner-Gleason Bison
“Learning and training with Spencer has given me tools to make knowledgeable decisions for my operation pertaining to both the finances and ecological health of the business. Spencer provides, practical, pragmatic insight and advice and has a gift for teaching. Whenever attending a course taught by Spencer, I find myself engaged and excited about the topics and ready to implement the strategies and tools on my own place. I'm very grateful for any opportunity I get to pick his brain!”
Josh Christensen, Christensen Brothers Ranch LLC
“Spencer Smith has now twice come out to our ranch in Southwestern Montana to provide his consultation services. As a direct result of his evaluation of our operation and recommendations as to modifications to our business model we have been able to transition our family ranch (in the family for well over a century) from multi year net profit loss to a now modestly profitable ranching business. Additionally, some of the family has been able to establish a grass fed beef direct to the customer business that is starting to show profitability after only a few years. Overall, we have a sustainable and profitable business where previously we had a long term money losing business that was decidedly not sustainable. Spencer helped us keep the family ranch in the family.”
Jesse Smith, Director of Land Stewardship | White Buffalo Land Trust andDirector of Farmland Program for Kiss the Ground
“Working with Spencer Smith has been a great way for our organization to introduce our community to the framework of Holistic Management. His facilitation skills are exceptionally engaging and insightful, while also delivering complex and detailed information in an accessible and understandable format. Spencer brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the table, from his on-the-ground ranching expertise, to the high level holistic context gained from working with communities from around the world. His ability to bridge the gap between scientific data and research, with the practical management of land and livestock is a critical resource for emerging land stewards looking to address the biological, financial, and social systems in which they work. We are incredibly grateful to have Spencer in our resource base, and believe that his impact within our region will continue to provide lasting benefits to the work within the fields of soil health, hydrological systems, biodiversity, and farmer / rancher livelihoods.”