The importance of rotation, rest and recovery when grazing silvopastures

[Brett Chedzoy]

An often overlooked or misunderstood concept in silvopasture management is the importance of rotating livestock to allow for adequate rest and recovery of the forage plants, and to minimize impacts to soil, trees and other resources.  If a livestock producer isn't already exhibiting skilled rotational grazing across their pasture system - then they are probably not ready to incorporate silvopasturing into the mix.

If trying to become more proficient at rotational grazing, look for "pasture walk" events in your area to see how other graziers make it work on their farms.  An example of an upcoming in-depth workshop:

http://blogs.cornell.edu/beefcattle/2016/09/13/getting-started-with...

[Ricardo Zachrisson C.]

Rotation practices change constantly as we work the forest (pruning, thinning or final cutting), also it changes drastically on the type of tree growing in the forrest. We rotate based on observation of the fields, it has been unworkable to plan in definite times. It is very difficult to set proper resting and recovery times.