Silvopasture: Livestock and Land in Harmony

Silvopasture is integration of livestock and trees, with benefits such as providing a shady respite for farm animals in the summer and cool season forage plants for more nutritious meals. Forest products and forage can be managed for, and typical silvopasture system is started by trees introduced into pasture or forage planted into woodland. Rotational grazing is key for long-term survival of trees incorporated into a livestock operation. Whatever forage is part of grazing diet also covers up and protects soil from impacts of water and wind. Tree/shrub species like hazelnut or honey locust can provide hazelnuts and locust pods (hard mast) for livestock to include in their nutritionally diverse diet.

Silvopasture Diagram courtesy of USDA National Agroforestry Center​