Silvopasture

Silvopasture is the intentional integration of livestock, pasture, and trees resulting in a healthier and more productive system overall. At Dancing Bear Farm we are adding trees to our pastures - though silvopasture can also refer to integrating livestock into an existing forest.

The trees we are planting provide shade and food for livestock as well as fruit and nuts for us. Some of our species include Mulberry (berries, edible leaves), Hazelnut and Chestnut (nuts), and Serviceberry and Aronia (berries). 

During the grazing season, our animals are moved to a fresh section of pasture each day, so that they can graze alongside the tree alleys. The trees provide the animals with shade and the animals provide the trees with fertilization. Some of our trees are managed on a coppice rotation, that is harvested periodically for branches and leaves to produce animal feed.