Profitable Silvopasture For Your Farm

Agroforestry is the strategic integration of fruit, nut and timber crops into existing agricultural operations – bringing the forest to the field. Silvopasture is the strategic integration of perennial crops and livestock. We will share detailed case studies of how Propagate Ventures is piloting innovative agroforestry and silvopastoral systems that measurably benefit ecological outcomes (e.g. water quality and soil health). Silvopasture systems can be designed to improve grazing operations by providing shade, windbreaks, and yearly mast and forage; all factors shown to increase weight gain and dairy production in cattle. Systems can also be designed to produce a sellable crop that can diversify a farm’s offerings. Understanding the nuances of these systems, being able to match the appropriate system to each farm, and importantly, understanding the financial realities of these systems, are essential to successful implementation. By de-risking these key elements, Propagate Ventures helps farmers ‘unlock’ additional wealth-building activities on their land that also benefit herd health. Agroforestry is an opportunity to ‘bring the forest to the field’ to help achieve our collective environmental goals – while meeting both economic development and ecological goals.