The University of Minnesota Extension, Happy Dancing Turtle, Minnesota Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Crow Wing River Forage Council will jointly host a Silvopasture workshop, Walk and Tour in Brainerd/Fort Ripley June 16-17.
Silvopasture is a sustainable agroforestry practice where trees and pasture
forages are grown together and managed grazing animals are introduced into the system to utilize the forages. Forage and livestock components provide regular short-term income while the trees provide long-term income in the form of fruit/ nuts, or timber. Studies have shown that, if properly managed, silvopasture can be more beneficial economically and environmentally than either trees or pasture alone. This workshop will provide learning opportunities for participants on establishing and managing a silvopasture system.
The workshop begins June 16 with networking and a panel discussion composed of practitioners and natural resource professionals to share their experience about
silvopasture. The event is 4-7 p.m. June 16 at the B&C Dairy Farm, 10796 Buehler Road, Fort Ripley.
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Classroom presentations June 17 include site visits to two farms in the afternoon. The event is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 322 Laurel St., Brainerd. The group will visit the Sunup Ranch (already practicing silvopasture), and B&B Goat Farm (planning to convert a portion of their farm into silvopasture).
At this workshop, participants will conduct a hands-on silvopasture exercise that will involve learning how to conduct tree inventory, and mark trees to establish silvopasture. Speakers during the workshop will come from university researchers and educators, and practitioners of silvopasture. Topics to cover will include: establishment, management, and decision-making about silvopasture; opportunities of silvopasture for raising beef cattle; livestock management and foraging in silvopasture; controlling brush, toxic plants and invasives; and silvopasture economics, what is it for me?
Participants can reserve rooms at a local hotel or nearby camp ground. Participants are also welcome to just come for the Saturday portion of the workshop.
Registration is $40; Register online at https://www.regonline.com/silvopasturewalk . This registration will cover one dinner June 16, and lunch and snacks June 17.
Questions? Contact: Diomy Zamora at 612-626-9272 or zamor015@umn.edu or Jim Chamberlin at 218-831-0528 or jchamberlin@huglic.com .
