EP 13 Lani Cran Petrie on the role of ranching in Hawai’i for holistic land management

Native Hawaiian paniolo Lani Cran Petrie manages Kapāpala Ranch founded in 1860 in Ka'u on Hawai'i Island, one of the island's largest remaining ranches where her great-grandfather was a foreman. Having studied animal nutrition at Washington State University, she has also served as the president of the Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Association. Lani sheds light on the ecosystem benefits and economic challenges of managing 24,000+ acres of state-leased land for cattle while keeping weeds at bay and providing trails access to the public. She speaks frankly about the negative perceptions of the cattle industry, and its role as an essential food source for the islands especially during crises.