Silvopasture for Fodder Update

[Emily Macdonald]

I'm still working on getting my agroforestry project off the ground- the grant(EAP) was terminated in 2025 but revived this year and my proposal was finally accepted. A roadblock to funding was my proposal to use resprout silviculture to manage trees and shrubs for fodder. Although tree management for fodder is fully recognized by NRCS as an accepted practice, The Nature Conservancy, which was administering this grant, was concerned about how this would fit into the conservation goals and carbon accounting framework of the project.

Luckily, I had read  "Coppice" by Mark Krawczyk as well as attending the coppice workshop lead by Mark and Steve Gabriel at Wellspring Forest Farm in November 2024. With the help of my TSP from Savanna Institute, Xinyuan Shi, we were able submit a document explaining the potential conservation benefits of carefully managed  resprout silviculture and my proposal was accepted. I've attached the document and some of the reply from TNC. Thanks to all the scientists and practitioners whose research has been so valuable and inspirational!

iHow%20Resprout%20Silvoculture%20Enhances%20Silvopasture-%20Final%20...

TNC%20Response%20to%20Resprout%20Silviculture%20Explanation.docx