MINNEAPOLIS — The Sustainable Farming Association (SFA)’s ongoing focus on silvopasture and agroforestry education continues in July with three farmer- and expert-led events. At each, the site will vary but all focus on restoring oak savanna, protecting water and increasing income through regenerative agriculture in woods and forests.
Silvopasture and agroforestry are strategies to achieve soil health adoption and foster livestock production in Minnesota. Silvopasture is the intentional practice of managing timber, forage and livestock on the same acres to create income opportunities on often under-utilized land. Using managed grazing techniques, sound timber management and 21st-Century fencing technology, silvopasture offers great opportunity to help restore the over 660,000 acres of Minnesota woods and forest that are not achieving their full potential for the landowner and society (University of Minnesota Extension).
Drought conditions have prompted the cancellation of the initially announced July 21st field day, and the relocation of the July 29th field day to Brainerd. The updated schedule is below, and comprehensive details on each event and additional resources can be found on SFA’s Silvopasture and Agroforestry homepage. These workshops are funded by a grant from the NCR-SARE Professional Development Program.
July 28 – Silvopasture Field Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., The Organic Compound, Faribault. Free for SFA members, $25 for nonmembers. Lunch included. REGISTER.
July 29 – Silvopasture Field Day, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Central Lakes College, Brainerd. Free for SFA members, $25 for nonmembers. Lunch included. REGISTER.
July 30 – Professional Development Program Workshop, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lake Elmo Park Reserve North Pavilion, Lake Elmo. Free for all. REGISTER.
Scholarships are available for the Faribault and Brainerd events. The scholarship is geared towards natural resource and ag professionals and potential silvopasture mentors who seek professional development opportunities and aim to share information with other farmers and landowners. Those interested can apply here and contact Wayne Monsen at wayne@sfa-mn.org with questions.
— Sustainable Farming Association
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