At the intersection of natural systems and human ingenuity, a working cattle operation offers an immersive retreat where those lost in abstraction can reconnect with tangible realities and discover unexpected insights in the discipline of natural processes.
 

What we are offering once it is finished:
A one or two week retreat at a cabin on a working cattle operation to immerse yourself in the natural environment of our silvopastures (wooded livestock grazing areas). This has some structured components for tours, experiences, and conversation, along with longer periods of uninterrupted time for deep work and reflection.  We facilitate transformation through intentional goal setting, non-judgmental dialogue, physical activity, and immersion in natural systems that challenge conventional thinking. All provisions and a full kitchen will be provided to cook your own meals. Alternatively, delivery is available from dozens of dining establishments a few miles away. The goal of this offering is to assist and equip you in an environment where you can focus on your projects with actionable tools to help you when you need feedback, a break, or a change of scenery. 
 
Why you would stay here:
The primary purpose of a stay here is to create space for the kind of deep thinking that's increasingly difficult in our connected, busy lives. This is a place where you can:
• Engage with complex problems requiring sustained concentration
• Have the option of judgement free dialogue at whatever frequency works best for you
• Mentally model difficult concepts without constant interruption
• Read lengthy papers and articles with full attention and take comprehensive notes
• Process the intense emotions associated with high performers or people in “big” stages of their lives. I will provide the disclaimer that I’m not a therapist, but you can spend time here reflecting after talking to yours.
• Pursue the kind of breakthrough thinking that rarely happens in 30-minute calendar blocks
 
Why I’ve considered doing this:
For over fifteen years, I’ve welcomed visitors to our home at Silvamore with a simple goal: to share our way of life and the wisdom contained in our approach to land stewardship. What began as informal tours for colleagues and friends gradually evolved into something I hadn’t anticipated: a sanctuary for deep thinking amid our working landscape. The journey toward establishing the Silvamore Residency began almost by accident. For years, I’ve hosted individuals from various fields including agricultural innovators, biotechnology researchers, geneticists, data engineers, communications specialists, finance professionals, and even culinary students.  Regardless of background, each visitor finds themselves seeing the world differently by the time they leave. They have all discovered that stepping into this space, where nature sets the rhythm and the rules, reveals insights they didn’t know they were searching for. Whether through solitude, conversation, or exposure to living systems like silvopasture and cattle management, our guests consistently emphasize that they gain impactful shifts in their perspectives while they are here. Silvamore doesn’t do this by providing answers; it provides the conditions for people to arrive at their own.  I’m allowing access to my time and operation here because I believe it holds unique value to the world. I truly believe the experience is one of a kind and can connect seemingly disparate concepts together into something beautiful that doesn’t exist anywhere else. This isn’t being replicated in agritourism, facilitation, or other residency programs.
I’m not offering a commercialized experience—I’m offering the gift of my time, my attention, and this place. It’s a commitment to people who are ready to do serious work and reflection in an environment that rewards honesty and presence. If you’re interested in attending, supporting, or collaborating, this is your moment to reach out.
 
 
       Michael Ring
       Caretaker at Silvamore