Cornell Cooperative Extension has emerged as a respected leader for silvopasturing research and education. Some achievements of the past year include: four webinars that reached over 500 people; two articles in national publications; several well-attended “silvopasture walks” including a day-long training in Essex County; collaboration with Virginia Tech to produce a series of high-quality “how-to” videos (available at CCE’s natural resources website: www.forestconnect.info); and the “2nd Northeast Silvopasture Conference” held this past January in Latham, NY. The conference was attended by 130 people from a dozen states and provinces.
These, and past efforts have not only inspired hundreds of graziers and resource professionals to initiate silvopasturing projects, but have also sparked interest in long-term studies to develop successful methods for the Northeast. Recently, a Research and Education grant proposal was submitted to Northeast SARE(Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) to build upon past “farmer grants” related to silvopasturing. Meanwhile, small-scale research projects continue at the Arnot Forest and collaborating farms across New York.
The interest in silvopasturing and the creative uses of livestock to manage ecosystems isn’t limited to just farmers, foresters and agency professionals. Earlier this year, NY’s Ag Assessment law was amended to include silvopasturing within the scope of agricultural production. This shift reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of the potential for silvopasturing and other agroforestry systems to increase farm viability and economies through the profitable use of marginal land. CCE is also now collaborating with the NYS DEC to test the control of forest invasive plants with livestock on state forests in eastern New York.
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