Silvopasture: 30 Years of Applying Research and Innovation

Produced by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that integrates livestock, forage production, and forestry on the same management unit. These systems are deliberately designed and managed to produce high-value timber products for the long term while also providing short-term annual economic benefit from a livestock component through management of forage or an annual crop. Cattle and timber are affected by different market pressures. Silvopasture allows landowners to diversify their risk while realizing diverse income-generating possibilities from the same acreage. This management system may not be for everyone. It is important that you take into consideration all of your goals for your property when making any land management decision. But for many it is a way of life that allows them the flexibility to meet not only long and short term objectives, but also lifestyle and financial needs that are not addressed with traditional forest management systems.