By Blake Jackson
Many farms across the Northeast include wooded or brush-filled areas that generate limited income while still requiring upkeep and property tax payments. To improve the productivity of these underused acres, some producers are adopting silvopasture, a farming practice that combines livestock grazing with tree management.
One example is Charles Lafferty of Skyline Pastures in Morshville, Pennsylvania. Seeking to make better use of the wooded portion of his family’s 12-acre farm, Lafferty explored how pigs, trees, and forage crops could be managed together in a profitable and environmentally beneficial system.
With assistance from a Northeast SARE Farmer grant, Lafferty implemented rotational pig grazing in a woodlot using temporary electric fencing, water systems, and shelters.
Lafferty also planted fodder and nut-producing trees to provide feed sources while enhancing long-term forest value. Throughout the project, he monitored costs, revenues, soil conditions, and forest health.
The results were encouraging. Lafferty reported strong tree establishment, with approximately 90% survival of planted trees, along with better control of invasive species and productive use of previously underutilized land. He shared the project’s findings with more than 50 farms through educational events and demonstrations.
“The project successfully demonstrated that pigs can be raised profitably in wooded areas,” said Lafferty.
For more details about this project, read 'Turning Woodlots into Revenue Streams with Silvopasture.'
Photo Credit: tanya-lafferty
Categories: Pennsylvania, General, Livestock, Hogs