Another Way We're Leading the Way

Do you know what we mean when we say "silvopasture"?

A mix of Latin words ("silva" 🌳 meaning forest, and "pāstor" [PACE-tur] /"pastūra" [pahs-TOO-rah] 🐑🌾 meaning shepherd or pasture/grazing), silvopasture is a form of agriforestry where livestock graze in the woods.

It's a common approach to agriculture that is still used outside North America in many cultures. (In those areas, it's just called farming lol!)

But there's a reason why the practice of silvopasture has taken a minute to make the leap to North America. 

When the first Europeans arrived here, the forests were SO dense that clearing them completely - and drawing a hard line between "forest" and "farmland" - seemed the wisest strategy. 

As a result, we have amber waves of grain...but livestock grazing in the woods is still a relatively rare sight in the United States.

Interest and momentum are growing, though, as our country searches for sustainable solutions to industrial problems. 

And we're right there on the leading edge. 

Clearing dead trees to open the forest floor...and produce lumber

Putting it into Practice

Incorporating silvopasture onto our farm isn't as simple as letting some animals loose in the forest, or planting a few trees in the pasture. 

It's an intentional practice that requires careful observation, implementation, skill, flexibility, and understanding to successfully integrate grassland ecology, forestry, and animal husbandry into one system.

And we think it's well worth the effort.

We love it because it grows healthy animals, promotes biodiversity and efficient land use, and adds a helpful revenue stream via timber sales as we remove dead trees to clear swaths of the forest floor for grazing.

The forest loves it because the waste dropped by grazing animals creates rich, fertile soil, and the native species we plant on the forest floor for grazing hold moisture and prevent erosion. 

The planet loves it because it's an extraordinary tool for carbon capture and mitigating climate change.

And our pigs love it for the posh shade features and luxury smorgasbord of woodland goodies on the forest floor. ;) 

Bottom line? On a sustainable farm, the practice of silvopasture is win-win-win-win.

And we're proud to be on the leading edge of implementing it in North America.

Thanks for being a part of it. 👍