Silvopasture: 30 Years of Applying Research and Innovation

[alabamaforester]

Peelers are now about the same price as sawtimber and reduces the quality volume per stem compared to sawtimber No industry segment has fallen harder than veneer. Many in the region would have no option to merchandize peeler logs

Pruning - Pruning has to pay it's own way and can't be made mandatory in a silvicultural system. The market seldom recognizes log quality from pruning.

Compare apples to apples. Clean upland sites are always premium whether they are silvopasture or not.

[Jefferdaughter]

This would work even better with some system of managed rotational grazing, especially high density stocking with frequent moves using portable electric fences. The biodiversity, mineral, water, and nutrient cycling fostered by intensive grazing will benefit the trees as much as the forage. Also saves on petro-chemical fertilizers (damaging to soil life) and eliminates the need to mow.

[Jefferdaughter]

Our family practiced 'shaded grazing' to manage natural timber stands sustainably over generations using a variety of animal species (cattle, horses, sometimes sheep & goats, and hogs). Good to see the practice coming back, whatever they call it now. Some call it 'savannah'. Properly managed, both trees & livestock benefit. Works great with hardwoods, too.