Thursday, November 7, 2024, 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm
Meach Cove Farms, 109 Colonel Fletcher Road Shelburne, VT 05482
Join us at Meach Cove Farms for a site assessment, planning and design workshop considering silvopasture in the field and considering how new woody plantings can be introduced. This workshop covers multi functions and co-benefits of climate smart grazing including:
Visit a grazing site at Meach Cove Farms where the farm is considering silvopasture and planning and designing a new hedgerow to meet the grazer's goals while recognizing site contraints and realizing opportunities. Learn how the sheep are currently grazing and how establishing a new hedgerow of woody shrubs along a field boundary will improve grazing and climate mitigation.
This workshop will cover design considerations, layout and spacing of plantings and species selection. Establishing woody perennial plantings as a conservation practice for livestock farms integrates biodiversity, climate mitigation, healthy livestock management, and improved soil quality.
Gain insight on practices for managed grazing which reap climate mitigation, forage, biodiversity, and soil benefits. Understand the factors driving site assessment, design, and planning. Recognize the components and requirements of grazing and silvopasture as NRCS climate smart practices. Discuss with peers the constraints and opportunities for establishing shrubs and trees on a pasture and as part of a grazing plan.
Who should come? Farmers, shepherds, landowners, farm managers, technical service providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders with interests in climate-smart grazing and silvopasture.
Trainers & Partners: Juan Alvez, UVM Extension, will cover silvopasture principles and regenerative grazing to improve soil health, forage and animal health, as well as mitigate climate change. Meghan Giroux, Interlace Commons, will explain the steps of site evaluation and design, as part of the planning and implementing of a new silvopasture practice at Meach Cove Farms. Ben Tutko, UVM Extension and contract grazer, will lead the pasture tour so you can see where the sheep are currently grazing at Meach Cove Farms and see where the planned plantings will enhance his grazing plan. Suzy Hodgson, UVM Extension and USDA NE Climate Hub Learning Forum and Lynn Wolfe, Meach Cove Farms, will speak to grazing as part of Meach Cove Farms' climate smart plan to mitigate climate change. Alex DePillis, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and markets, will provide some snapshots of the Vermont landscape for climate smart silvopasture.
This workshop is free and refreshments will be provided. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silvopasture-hedgerows-designing-with-the-climate-tickets-1028984298737
