Upcoming Silvopasture Workshop

On November 4th, 2017, the Louisiana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative is hosting a silvopasture workshop in Norwood, LA from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

For many years Wedge and Sammy Barthe have implemented silvopasture concepts to control understory overgrowth on Richland Hill Plantation in East Feliciana Parish.

At this workshop you will learn how the Barthe brothers drafted a plan to manage and produce high-value timber for the long term while also providing short-term economic benefit through enhanced soil health and management of forage. Attendees will also observe the beginning stages of a silvopasture system.

Silvopasture combines forestry and grazing animals in a mutually beneficial way. This agroforestry practice integrates livestock, forage production, and forestry on the same management unit.

Benefits of Silvopasture

Pasture grasses and legumes seeded in the area help reduce erosion, provide high quality forage, and decrease unwanted trees and brush.
Grazing in the silvopasture helps reduce fertilizer needs by increasing the soil nutrient effectiveness through recycling of certain elements such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.
Long term income goals can be met using this system as trees are thinned out to increase the tree and forage growth.
Trees and livestock integrated diversifies farm enterprise.
Intensive management involved in silvopasture improves growth of high quality trees.
Shading reduces stress and improved animal productivity.
Enhance wildlife habitat.