Agroforestry

Agroforestry for Foresters Farm Tour

University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension hosted an Agroforestry for Foresters Farm Tour at the Savanna Institute’s Spring Green demonstration farm on June 6, 2024. The event was attended by 47 foresters, including consultants, county forestry departments, and state agencies. The event highlighted a number of agroforestry practices being tested on the farm, explored how foresters could include those practices in management opportunities, and encouraged discussions. Various partners presented technical and cost-share assistance over the lunch hour.

Discussions covered agroforestry practice basics, demonstration farm research, and implementation practicalities. Ninety-two percent of attendees said they feel they know a lot more about agroforestry practices as a result of the day’s event. Interest in the event was around the ability to offer landowners additional ideas and services for their land.

This Exchange was the first for the Wisconsin team of researchers and Extension professionals who have recently been funded by the USDA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help support the implementation of agroforestry practices by small and medium-sized farms. With partners in both Michigan and Ohio, the team expects to have more events just like this one across the region. If you are interested in participating in future events, or to host an Agroforestry Exchange on your farm, contact Project Manager, Amanda Curton, at curtonam@msu.edu.

Peer-to-Peer Agroforestry Exchange in Chatham, Michigan 

Michigan State University Extension hosted a Peer-to-Peer Agroforestry Exchange at the MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center in Chatham, MI on February 9th. Led by Anna Ellis, Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Educator, and Emily Huff, Associate Professor at MSU, the event was attended by a mix of farmers, foresters, and agricultural professionals. This free event instructed participants on Agroforestry techniques, encouraged discussion, and shared resources for management plan development and cost-share opportunities. Additionally, Alger County Conservation District Forester, Sara Kelso, presented on the free tree and forest-related services that are available to landowners. 

Those in attendance took part in a lively discussion about different approaches for land management and possible solutions for the many barriers that farmers and landowners face. Feedback from participants about the most interesting Agroforestry topics will be used to structure future agroforestry events in the area. 

Olivia Kingery, farmer and owner of Pileated Farms in Chatham, MI had the following to say after attending the event: “Agroforestry is the future not just of agriculture, but of living in coexistence with our surrounding environment. It’s important for all generations to slow down to learn more about the practices we need to implement to save the earth.” 

This Exchange was the first for the Michigan team of researchers and Extension professionals who have recently been funded by the USDA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help support the implementation of agroforestry practices by small and medium-sized farms. With partners in both Ohio and Wisconsin, the team expects to have more events just like this one across the region. If you are interested in participating in future events, or to host an Agroforestry Exchange on your farm, contact Project Manager, Amanda Curton, at curtonam@msu.edu.