silvopasture2024-03-29T13:02:39ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlingerhttp://static.ning.com/socialnetworkmain/widgets/profiles/gfx/defaults/profile-003399.png?xn_version=431723162&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1&xj_user_default=1http://silvopasture.ning.com/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=1drq8w4sxhf64&feed=yes&xn_auth=nowillow fodder blocktag:silvopasture.ning.com,2024-03-20:6457695:Topic:4513672024-03-20T21:50:03.710ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p>Can anyone share experiences with willow fodder for sheep? What cultivars did you use? Good sources for obtaining cuttings? What density did you plant? How did it work out? Did the sheep like it?</p>
<p>Thank you !</p>
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<p>Can anyone share experiences with willow fodder for sheep? What cultivars did you use? Good sources for obtaining cuttings? What density did you plant? How did it work out? Did the sheep like it?</p>
<p>Thank you !</p>
<p></p>
<p></p> Forages, Grasses, Legumestag:silvopasture.ning.com,2024-03-18:6457695:Topic:4513652024-03-18T22:32:21.869ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p><span>I am clearing my woodlots for silvopasture in the Mid-Hudson River Valley in New York State. Can anyone recommend a good mixture of grasses and legumes that are more shade tolerate for my new silvopasture?<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402009077?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402009077?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span>I am clearing my woodlots for silvopasture in the Mid-Hudson River Valley in New York State. Can anyone recommend a good mixture of grasses and legumes that are more shade tolerate for my new silvopasture?<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402009077?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12402009077?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></span></p> Pasture in forest practitioners tend to have higher uptake of climate-smart forestry practices?tag:silvopasture.ning.com,2024-03-15:6457695:Topic:4512822024-03-15T17:04:41.514ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p>Months ago I had read that woodland graziers tend to have higher acceptance of forest management activities: logging, thinning, mechanical interventions, prescribed burning, chemical treatments, cultural treatments. That sounds intuitive enough, but I remember this was in a scientific paper that involved a survey of woodland owners, with results showing that woodland graziers were more willing to engage in those practices (and perhaps work with a forester) as compared with non-grazing…</p>
<p>Months ago I had read that woodland graziers tend to have higher acceptance of forest management activities: logging, thinning, mechanical interventions, prescribed burning, chemical treatments, cultural treatments. That sounds intuitive enough, but I remember this was in a scientific paper that involved a survey of woodland owners, with results showing that woodland graziers were more willing to engage in those practices (and perhaps work with a forester) as compared with non-grazing woodland owners. I can no longer find that survey though.</p>
<p>Does anyone know what I'm talking about and can point me to the reference for that? Brett and Joe, I thought this was a publication you both were involved in, but poking around Google Scholar I'm not finding it. Figured I'd just ask here!</p>
<p>The paper I found closest to this is Orefice et al. 2016 "Silvopasture practices and perspectives in the Northeastern United States", but that did not include the survey I was thinking of that heard from both grazing and non-grazing woodland owners.</p> Busy fall in the silvopasture worldtag:silvopasture.ning.com,2023-11-15:6457695:Topic:4498102023-11-15T16:41:47.667ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p>Hopefully some of you have found the time to attend either the "SilvoPro" training this week in PA or maybe even the International Agroforestry Conference in Ireland. Look forward to some updates from anyone who made it. And thank you, Harry, for posting some news from the recent International Silvopasturing Congress in Argentina & Uruguay. That would have been worth the trip just for the beef & wine!</p>
<p>One recent event that didn't get posted here was the "Silvopasture for…</p>
<p>Hopefully some of you have found the time to attend either the "SilvoPro" training this week in PA or maybe even the International Agroforestry Conference in Ireland. Look forward to some updates from anyone who made it. And thank you, Harry, for posting some news from the recent International Silvopasturing Congress in Argentina & Uruguay. That would have been worth the trip just for the beef & wine!</p>
<p>One recent event that didn't get posted here was the "Silvopasture for Professionals" training hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension in late-September. We wanted to keep the crowd small for this pilot training that brought over 30 "technical service providers" and a few farmers to the Finger Lakes area for a few days of learning, sharing and fun. Given the interest, we'll look for ways to continue these types of intensive trainings for both professional and practitioner audiences in the future. In the meantime, some of the materials used in the course are available through the "publications/resources" section of <a href="http://www.forestconnect.ning.com">www.forestconnect.ning.com</a> (direct link: <a href="https://blogs.cornell.edu/cceforestconnect/publications-and-resources">https://blogs.cornell.edu/cceforestconnect/publications-and-resources</a>, scroll down to "silvopasture") </p>
<p>Picture below of the group watching the flerd at Evermore Farm.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12292639891?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12292639891?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p> using animal units and AU equivalents to estimate dry matter demand in silvopasturetag:silvopasture.ning.com,2023-10-26:6457695:Topic:4494572023-10-26T19:39:09.140ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p>I thought of posting this in the discussion about tree fodder feed value as it has a lot of influence on this.</p>
<p>I am working on a silvopasture that is about 6-7 acres, with the ability to set up any configuration of fenced paddock. With all the livestock that the farm currently allows on to the silvopasture area, I estimated the daily demand for dry matter at 267lbs.</p>
<p>Forage production estimates for ranching seem to hang around 200lbs per inch of growth per acre.</p>
<p>I am…</p>
<p>I thought of posting this in the discussion about tree fodder feed value as it has a lot of influence on this.</p>
<p>I am working on a silvopasture that is about 6-7 acres, with the ability to set up any configuration of fenced paddock. With all the livestock that the farm currently allows on to the silvopasture area, I estimated the daily demand for dry matter at 267lbs.</p>
<p>Forage production estimates for ranching seem to hang around 200lbs per inch of growth per acre.</p>
<p>I am wondering if anyone has experience using AUs in silvopasture and how they explain production estimates of woody shrubs and the like. Especially when an aim is to browse those invasive shrubs down?</p>
<p>Main livestock are: goats, sheep, alpaca, several dozen poultry.</p>
<p>I am also curious about general use of animal units (AU) as I do not hear it really at all in the Northeast like I have in the west.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p> International Agroforestry Conference November 16th and 17th, Co.Cork, Irelandtag:silvopasture.ning.com,2023-10-06:6457695:Topic:4490882023-10-06T21:20:48.546ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p dir="ltr"><span>The Irish Agroforestry Forum are delighted to be hosting an International Agroforestry Conference on Farmer-led Climate Adaptation and Mitigation on Thursday, November 16th and Friday 17th, 2023 in the Westlodge Hotel in Bantry. We will explore the vital role of trees on farms, on both conventional and organic farms in combating climate change and supporting farm enterprises. With a diverse and informative programme lined up, this conference promises to be an enlightening…</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The Irish Agroforestry Forum are delighted to be hosting an International Agroforestry Conference on Farmer-led Climate Adaptation and Mitigation on Thursday, November 16th and Friday 17th, 2023 in the Westlodge Hotel in Bantry. We will explore the vital role of trees on farms, on both conventional and organic farms in combating climate change and supporting farm enterprises. With a diverse and informative programme lined up, this conference promises to be an enlightening experience for farmers, policymakers, and anyone passionate about the environment.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Our distinguished speakers will delve into agroforestry policy developments, support measures, and whole farm planning and will look in detail at how agroforestry fits into agricultural and climate policy in the EU and Ireland.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Throughout the day, you'll gain valuable knowledge and perspectives on how agroforestry can enhance farm production, support livestock, reduce inputs, support low-input and organic systems and provide wider ecosystem benefits. Keynote speakers, including Organic Farmer Clive Bright and Professor Jim McAdam, will share practical experiences of integrating trees into farming for resilience and profitability. </span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Dr Lindsay Whistance (Organic Research Centre UK) will speak on how the presence of trees on farms offers multiple benefits, supporting system resilience and promoting good animal welfare. Lindsay will touch upon different aspects including how trees can benefit animal health, and human-animal relationships as well as delivering a valuable source of nutrition and medicine in the grazed landscape on conventional and organic farms.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>In addition, you'll discover the latest agroforestry innovations and engage with experts in the field. Niamh Garvey (NESC) will discuss the concept of a "Just Transition" in agriculture and report on recent research findings, while Dr Réamaí Mathers will explore cultural, attitude and language aspects of agroforestry adoption.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>The conference will also tackle the challenges of agroforestry adoption in Ireland and globally. Rachel Irwin (Walsh Scholar) will present the main barriers hindering uptake, and Patrick Worms from World Agroforestry will discuss reasons why farmers should embrace agroforestry practices.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>The event doesn't end with the conference sessions. On Friday, November 17th, 2023, you will have the unique opportunity to visit agroforestry farms in the West Cork area, hear insights from farmers who have successfully integrated trees into their farming systems and see their systems in operation.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Don't miss this chance to be part of a transformative conversation on the role that agroforestry can play as a farming tool to help keep farms profitable and sustainable whilst dealing with climate adaptation and mitigation. Join us in Bantry, Co. Cork, for this two-day International Agroforestry Conference and be a part of the movement towards sustainable farming and climate resilience.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><a href="http://www.irishagroforestry.ie">www.irishagroforestry.ie</a></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><a href="https://www.irishagroforestry.ie/agroforestryconference">https://www.irishagroforestry.ie/agroforestryconference</a></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><a href="https://www.irishagroforestry.ie/conferenceprogramme">https://www.irishagroforestry.ie/conferenceprogramme</a></span></p> What Went Wrong With My Soil Analysis?tag:silvopasture.ning.com,2023-09-02:6457695:Topic:4484882023-09-02T14:27:44.561ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p>I realize this is a longshot to post this here, but perhaps someone could forward this to an agronomist or soil scientist colleague of theirs to get an answer to this.</p>
<p>I sent the same soil samples to different labs. One lab conducted a more traditional soil test, which included available P using a Modified Olsen Extract. NaHCO3 =0.5M, pH 8.5 Esp. Vis</p>
<p>The other lab tested for total elements using ICP OES.</p>
<p>The lab that tested for total P using ICP OES, showed less than…</p>
<p>I realize this is a longshot to post this here, but perhaps someone could forward this to an agronomist or soil scientist colleague of theirs to get an answer to this.</p>
<p>I sent the same soil samples to different labs. One lab conducted a more traditional soil test, which included available P using a Modified Olsen Extract. NaHCO3 =0.5M, pH 8.5 Esp. Vis</p>
<p>The other lab tested for total elements using ICP OES.</p>
<p>The lab that tested for total P using ICP OES, showed less than 0.5mg P per kilogram of soil (less than the test threshold) in all samples sent (I sent six other samples to them from different areas of our land - none of the samples showed an above threshold amount).</p>
<p>The lab that tested available phosphorus showed 9.49ppm in the topsoil sample and 1.82ppm in the subsoil sample.</p>
<p>What's wrong with this picture?</p>
<p>Certainly one could assume the opposite might be the case when there's a value of 9.49ppm for Total P, and a subthreshold value for <em>available</em> P.</p> Virtual Fencetag:silvopasture.ning.com,2023-08-28:6457695:Topic:4482152023-08-28T21:34:16.515ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p>I've been hearing a lot about virtual fencing lately on podcasts I'm subscribed to. It sounds like a real game changer especially for a silvopasture context. Are any of you using virtual fencing?</p>
<p>I'm very interested right now, although I have a feeling competition will increase over the next couple years, and we will see the prices go way down on such systems. Maybe there will even be a couple open-source options available.</p>
<p>I've been hearing a lot about virtual fencing lately on podcasts I'm subscribed to. It sounds like a real game changer especially for a silvopasture context. Are any of you using virtual fencing?</p>
<p>I'm very interested right now, although I have a feeling competition will increase over the next couple years, and we will see the prices go way down on such systems. Maybe there will even be a couple open-source options available.</p> Movable fencing for home-scale chicken paddockstag:silvopasture.ning.com,2023-07-25:6457695:Topic:4470312023-07-25T02:10:53.347ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p>Do you use electric netting to graze chickens? Any tips or suggestions on styles or brands?</p>
<p>I have various forest garden patches at home and plan to rotate chickens in between them. I may come back with questions on grazing plans, as some areas I'd want to rotate and let the pasture reset, whereas other areas I'd want the chickens to wipe out the lawn and prep it for meadow seed mixes. In any case, I want to have a few paddocks setup at once and move the fencing around.</p>
<p>This is…</p>
<p>Do you use electric netting to graze chickens? Any tips or suggestions on styles or brands?</p>
<p>I have various forest garden patches at home and plan to rotate chickens in between them. I may come back with questions on grazing plans, as some areas I'd want to rotate and let the pasture reset, whereas other areas I'd want the chickens to wipe out the lawn and prep it for meadow seed mixes. In any case, I want to have a few paddocks setup at once and move the fencing around.</p>
<p>This is for a small, home-scale flock rotating around 0.5-1ac total, depending how many paddocks we setup. Electricity is not far but still the fence probably needs to be run on a battery (we could charge one inside and swap it out as needed, and/or hook it up to solar). Just looking for an easy to use and reliable fence - we have lots of foxes, tall grass, and somewhat rolling landscape.</p>
<p>Thanks for any input!</p> Methods For Growing Lots Of Trees In A Small Footprint For Cost-Effective Silvopasture Establishmenttag:silvopasture.ning.com,2023-07-17:6457695:Topic:4471292023-07-17T16:50:31.990ZKeith Ohlingerhttp://silvopasture.ning.com/profile/Keithohlinger
<p>I thought I'd share my current methods using air pruning beds to grow various livestock fodder trees for silvopasture establishment in hopes that some other folks in this network are doing the same.</p>
<p>My goals are to grow 1) healthy, well-structured trees that 2) can be harvested with intact root systems for maximum survivability during establishment 3) very little expense and ongoing management cost throughout the year for me (the grower).</p>
<p>I've been growing trees in air pruning…</p>
<p>I thought I'd share my current methods using air pruning beds to grow various livestock fodder trees for silvopasture establishment in hopes that some other folks in this network are doing the same.</p>
<p>My goals are to grow 1) healthy, well-structured trees that 2) can be harvested with intact root systems for maximum survivability during establishment 3) very little expense and ongoing management cost throughout the year for me (the grower).</p>
<p>I've been growing trees in air pruning beds for years now, and have just moved to Tennessee and am reconstituting my nursery here - building air pruning beds using mostly scrap lumber, repurposed shade cloth etc.</p>
<p>The air pruning beds I'm building now are still in the same basic style as the ones detailed in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVOKTGv-8PQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this video</a> from a few years ago from when I was in CA (based on the work of <a href="https://youtu.be/LdGzn8kbULc?list=PLJy8-1MQvUQw5phlrLVYiwrUbLZTjxKyD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Carl Whitcomb</a>). Below are some photos of the beds - just simple frames with a 1/2" hardware cloth mesh fence stapled onto the bottom, overlain with old shade cloth to retain soil while also permitting roots to penetrate through and air prune. Beds are protected here by a single layer of 3/4"x1" x 7' wide deer fence over bamboo stakes. Growing medium is currently about a 3:1 mix of double ground red oak bark and mushroom compost. I've been making charcoal and will add some biochar to the mix once I get the charcoal crushed, inoculated and charged with nutrient.</p>
<p>Trees currently started from seed: Black Locust, Thornless Honey Locust, Siberian Pea Shrub, Leucaena, Paulownia, White Poplar, River Birch (we arrived in late May and missed a lot of the spring season, so I am starting whatever I can reasonable force-germinate now - other things requiring longer stratification will get started at the end of this year in cycle with the seasons).</p>
<p>Trees started from cuttings: Weeping willow, red mulberry and Austree Hybrid Willow. (basically whatever I can find around me that fits the livestock fodder tree category).<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12150066663?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12150066663?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="500"/></a><em>Caragana arborescens)</em> emerging.</p>
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<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12150068285?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12150068285?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a>Leucaena/White Lead Tree <em>(Leucaena leucocephala)</em> and Thornless Honey Locust <em>(</em><em>Gleditsia triacanthos inermis).</em> Short beds were a mistake - the dog and the cat really seem to want to lay on these things.</p>
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<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12150069087?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12150069087?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a>Underside of one of the beds - 1/2" hardware cloth fence stapled on top of the 2x4" frame, with recycled shade cloth lain on top of that to retain soil while permitting air pruning of developing root tips.</p>
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<p>For the Austree Hybrid Willow I hurriedly put in a "willow paddie" - basically I de-sodded the lawn adjacent the farmhouse we're in, made planting mounds, and planted a bunch of 15" long willow cuttings in the narrow trench by laying them down horizontally to maximize shoot production for making future cuttings. Installed and plumbed roof gutters to a downspout and into the paddie. Thus far it seems to be working well - the willows have been in the ground a bit less than a month as of 7/17/23.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12150070672?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12150070672?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a>The "willow paddie" - I'm hopeful that the cardboard sheet mulching, mulching with red oak, and the frequent inundation with lots of roof water will help to keep weed pressure down. More to come as this progresses!</p>
<p>For anyone else growing trees in nursery settings I'd love to see and hear what ya'll are doing!</p>
<p>With Gratitude,</p>
<p>- Casey</p>