Revisited: Implementing Silvopasture

In anticipation of our trio of silvopasture field days and workshops next week, we wanted to re-release Episode 10: "Implementing Silvopasture" as a refresher or introduction to the topic.

If you'd like to learn more, you can also listen to our other episodes that cover this management approach with ecological and indigenous origins:

• Episode 9: "Silvopasture in Minnesota" with SFA's Tyler Carlson and Jared Luhman.
• Episode 10: "Implementing Silvopasture" with SFA's Tyler Carlson and Jared Luhman.
• Episode 23: "Origins of Oak Savanna" with Stephen Thomforde and Tyler Carlson.
• Episode 24: "Restoring Oak Savanna" with Stephen Thomforde and Tyler Carlson.
• Episode 25: "Home on the Tree-Range" with Tony Wells and Jared Luhman.

Find more resources and information about the upcoming field days and workshops on our website.

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Episode 10: Implementing Silvopasture

Jared Luhman and Tyler Carlson return to further discuss Silvopasture: “the intentional integration of trees, forage, and livestock into one intensively managed system.” Formerly a trope to “keep livestock out of the woods,” now farmers have the tools to properly manage their impact. 

 

By intensively managing trees to optimize the growing environment for the forage below, as well as the timing and location of livestock grazing, farmers can reap numerous benefits. Silvopasture practices can boost soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat and diversity, and carbon sequestration. Silvopasture can also raise timber value, animal performance, and overall economic returns, making this system an attractive option for some farmers.

 

Tyler describes his own operation, from his intensive study of agroforestry as a student at the University of Minnesota, to his 200 acres in Todd County today. He and his wife raise grass-fed beef, pastured lamb, and perennial fruits on their farm. Tyler shares his experience in working with both existing woodlands and establishing silvopasture on cleared land for those looking to get started.

 

Resources:

SFA Silvopasture & Agroforestry Homepage - Learn more and register for upcoming workshops here.

Silvopasture Handbook

Silvopasture Webinar Series

University of Minnesota Silvopasture Learning Network

NRCS EQIP

 

Jared Luhman, SFA Soil Health Lead

Tyler Carlson, SFA Silvopasture & Agroforestry Project Lead

The viewpoints of the speakers expressed within or outside of this episode do not necessarily reflect the goals and mission of SFA.

Dirt Rich is produced by the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota.

 

This episode is supported and funded by a grant from the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). It is part of the “Oak Savanna Restoration through Silvopasture Project” in cooperation with University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension, Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Agricultural Management (CINRAM) at the University of Minnesota, and Great River Greening.