Taking graziers to new heights

BERKSHIRE, NY – Pardon the tree pun, but it’s brilliant marketing that helps the Pennsylvania-based Trees for Graziers Company “branch out” to help farmers and conservation professionals add trees to perennial pastures, hayland, riparian areas and crop ground. Founder and CEO Austin Unruh is on a quest to expand the adoption of agroforestry and silvopasture systems, where the tree component adds more diversity, resilience and profit to an operation which forms the foundation of resilient, regenerative and vibrant food systems in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Farmer, fisherman and agroforestry consultant Joshua Greene from the tree-forward company recently teamed up with the Upper Susquehanna Coalition (USC) and their cohort of Soil & Water Conservation professionals to provide a hands-on training at Bottomland Farm in Tioga County. “We were looking for an introduction into silvopasture and agroforestry practices, as farmers and landowners are seeking qualified local staff to help them make informed land decisions,” said USC Buffer Coordinator Lydia Brinkley. Greene introduced concepts of planting in fields, planning details and implementation logistics to make it easier for farmers to adopt. “We’re not lacking from interest, just navigating and coordinating the right land- and tree-specific package to make it happen while moving beyond the 35-foot stream buffer narrative,” he said. He indicated grass-based farmers are interested in dappled shade quality, tree crops for livestock and humans and for future ecosystem services. Brinkley provided an update on the work of the Chesapeake Agroforestry Network to increase adoption and awareness of agroforestry practices across the CB watershed. She talked about the new Expanding Agroforestry Incentive Payment Program research, which supports crediting these practices for their water quality benefits if established critical management protocols are followed. It also recommends crediting BMP efficiency reduction, based on establishing a minimum percentage of added mature tree canopy coupled with precision intensive rotational grazing and stacking management BMPs such as nutrient management, conservation tillage, alternative pasture watering, etc., on the same acreage. Brinkley shared an opportunity to participate in the Capacity Building State Afforestation Program, which provides funding for 35 acres of agroforestry pilot projects and capacity support for SWCDs to participate in afforestation plan development, implementation, training and technical assistance in developing protocols and guidance. CCE Tompkins Agroforestry Educator Jonathan Bates followed up with a discussion on available resources, initiatives and an opportunity for farms in the Southern Tier to participate in a demonstration silvopasture project. A newly inspired crew took their talents, supplies and young trees to Bottomland Farm, who grow direct-to-consumer pasture-raised chicken, pork, rabbit, turkeys, goats and egg layers, for a small planting project on their eight acres of pasture. After a review of owner Becca Rimmel’s goals, Greene led the team on layout procedures, tree spacing considerations, species selection for silvopasture, planting tips, tree protection and mulching practices and a unique “overpass” polywire fencing solution which allows for moving between the trees and electrifying the six-foot tree tubes against livestock and wildlife damage. Rimmel said she’s excited for the future shade potential and forage crops for her poultry coming from the mix of bur oaks, serviceberries and white mulberries planted. “The planting is a wonderful addition that helps create happier, healthier livestock for our local communities … I can’t wait to see how this practice helps our operation and provides the inspiration to add even more trees in the future,” she added. “This was a feasible practical training which is all part of a reforestation effort in the bay watershed,” said Brinkley. At the end of the day more trees equals improved water quality.” Willow you be proactive about agroforestry and leaf your worries behind? For more information reach out to the USC at 607.687.3553 or lbrinkley@u-s-c.org . by Troy Bishopp Featured photo: A hands-on tree planting demonstration helped workshop attendees learn the best ways to set their plantings up for success. Photo by Troy Bishopp