I put this video together yesterday of my current workflow using QGIS for planning out keyline based agroforestry systems with consistent between-row spacing - a relatively quick way to get a handle on the precise quantity of trees and plants, length of planting lines and all of the other logistical pieces that go with implementing systems like these.

I wanted to throw it up here in a blog post in case it might be helpful to those of you designing systems for yourself or others. If…

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Hey Folks. I wanted to share this video I made of an experiment ensiling tree and shrub species in a five gallon bucket. I was inspired by a Mexican Agave silage project, where they ensiled Agave leaves in five gallon buckets for a nutritious climate fighting solution using livestock and climate appropriate food producing polyculture systems. I foresee a time where it will be more expensive to use a tractor to make round bales, and silage for winter feed. I also foresee a time when more and…

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Thought I'd share this video I just uploaded about my silvopasture forage estabishment trials in Brooktondale, NY. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLBYGhssiIE

I would like to start a discussion regarding the proposed FSMA regulation from the FDA. I have been told by the Maryland Department of Agriculture that my tree crops will be considered unfit for human consumption if I graze my animals around my trees. The comment period ends in November, I realize most people are not planting fruit, nut, cane, & vine crops in their silvopasture systems, but if you are or think you may in the future these changes will make it impossible for you to sell them… Continue

During the "silvopasture day course" trainings last August, we expressed the need to reduce forest stand stocking levels to about 60 sq. ft./acre of basal area (approximately 50% relative density, depending on the stand type) in order to achieve "good" forage productivity of the more shade tolerant cool season grasses.  For more information on this, refer to the .pdf file attachment titled "Creating Quality Silvopastures" from the August blog post on the day courses - or read the section on…

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Thank you to everyone who attended the two "Silvopasture Day Courses" at Black Queen Angus Farm in Berlin, NY on August 24th, and at Wellscroft Fence Company in Harrisville, NH on August 25th.  Also, thank you to the Hudson-Mohawk RC&D Council, the Granite State Graziers, NY GLCI, Albany CCE, Albany SWCD and others for helping to organize and make those events possible!

85 graziers, foresters and agency folks participated in the two workshops.  This was the first time that we have…

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I found this story about an application of silvopasture to both use the pasture of the woods, but to do so and deliberately control undesired vegetation....the plant we love to hate Rhamnus cathartica (European buckthorn).  This farmer is aware of the concerns of silvopasture, potential for compaction and damage to residual trees, but also alert to the value that it brings. The…

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