The Ohio Organic Farmer Researcher Network is inviting people to get acquainted with on-farm research this summer through their Farminar series. One of the first farms on the schedule was Constant Springs Farm in Orrville (Wayne County). Our host farmer Matt Falb discussed his various research collaborations on soil health and pasture management, including a current study on establishing a silvopasture system on his farm.
Silvopasture involves the careful integration of trees, forage, and livestock. When done right, the trees provide shade and additional forage for the cattle. The system can also provide additional farm income depending on the tree species used. Falb first learned about the project when he was interviewed for a graduate student project about pasture management, but he had been thinking about silvopasture before then. After listening to a podcast on the topic, he thought this practice might provide heat stress protection for the beef cattle he raises and sells locally.
“I grew up with the mindset of trees being a nuisance,” said Falb. “When I first heard about silvopasture on a podcast, it was a complete paradigm shift.”
After additional reading on the topic, he began to envision other benefits to planting trees in his pastures, but the long-term investment of trees gave him pause. The opportunity to be part of a grant-funded research project provided a way to decrease his level of investment and risk.
Falb selected honey locust trees that will eventually extend his grazing season by providing seedpods for the cattle to eat. He’s thought about adding other tree species that might diversify his farm’s biology and income sources.
Source : osu.edu