Browsing by Author "Frey, Gregory E."
Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Creating silvopastures – Some considerations when planting trees into pasturesFike, John H.; Downing, Adam K.; Munsell, John F.; Frey, Gregory E.; Mercier, Kelly; Pent, Gabriel J.; Teutsch, Christopher D.; Daniel, J. B.; Fisher, K. Jason; Adams, Miller; Groh, Todd (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2017)Silvopastures — integrated tree-forage-livestock production systems — have the potential to boost farm resource use and income. These systems take advantage of the beneficial interactions among system components, add biodiversity, and increase animal comfort. The intentional and careful combining of trees and livestock in time and space can yield both short-and long-term returns and have positive environmental outcomes. In well-managed silvopasture systems, trees can reduce livestock stress by protecting them from inclement weather or by reducing ambient temperatures and radiation. They can provide marketable timber and nontimber products and improve environmental quality by reducing water runoff and capturing nutrients and by reducing animal use of surface waters.
- Is livestock producers' interest in silvopasture related to their operational perspectives or characteristics?Wilkens, Philadelphia; Munsell, John F.; Fike, John H.; Pent, Gabriel J.; Frey, Gregory E. (2021-08-24)Livestock producers' operational perspectives and characteristics are known to be associated with silvopasture adoption, but findings in the literature are mixed and contradictory. To study whether characteristics or perspectives more closely relate to silvopasture interest, 307 livestock producers enrolled in cost-share programs in Virginia, United States of America were surveyed. One hundred and thirty-nine producers responded (rate = 45%). Interest in silvopasture was measured using a Likert-type ordinal scale. Respondents reported the following operational characteristics: size in hectares, type and number of livestock, and primary or secondary occupation. Twelve Likert-type ordinal scales were used to measure the following operational perspectives: financial emphasis, cultural importance, and attitudes pertaining to operational diversification using trees. Multivariate cluster methods were used to group respondents into two classification sets, one based on operational characteristics and the other operational perspectives. Tests for significant differences in silvopasture interest between classifications in each set were conducted using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis rank sums (alpha = 0.05). Silvopasture interest differed significantly among classifications based on operational perspectives, but not operational characteristics. Cross-tabulations of the two sets and Cramer's V test indicated that the two classification sets are unrelated. Findings suggest silvopasture interest cuts across operation type and is more closely tied to producers' perspectives, particularly views related to diversification. Technical transfer programs and stakeholder engagement should focus on matching perspectives to practice regardless of operational scale and scope.
- Thinning forests or planting fields? Producer preferences for establishing silvopastureWilkens, Philadelphia; Munsell, John F.; Fike, John H.; Pent, Gabriel J.; Frey, Gregory E.; Addlestone, Benjamin J.; Downing, Adam K. (2021-09-04)Silvopasture is the intentional integration of trees, forages, and livestock. Benefits of this agroforestry practice include shade for livestock, nutritious forage, and reduced wind speed in pastures, as well as ecosystem services and tree products. The literature indicate that some livestock producers are interested in silvopasture, but little is known about their establishment preferences and if they vary by demographics or operation type. This study hypothesized that producers are equally interested in planting trees in pastures (planting) and reducing forest canopy and planting forages (thinning) to establish silvopasture, and that the effects of the potential benefits of silvopasture on their preferences are similar. To test these hypotheses, 307 livestock producers in Virginia, United States of America were surveyed about whether they prefer planting or thinning. Producers also were asked about the extent to which potential benefits of silvopasture affect their preferences. Nearly 25% of the 139 respondents (response rate = 45%) were 'very interested' in thinning, compared to 8% for planting. Animal performance and welfare was their primary goal, but forest management and whole-farm productivity also were important. Guidelines are needed for maintaining stand health and productivity when thinning and for improving tree protection and growth in pastures when planting to establish silvopasture.
- Welcome to the Woods! A Guide for New Virginia Woodland OwnersGagnon, Jennifer L.; Clark, Neil A.; Downing, Adam K.; Fisher, K. Jason; Frey, Gregory E.; Worrell, William C. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2020-07-01)Woodlot management (1-10,000 acres), Wildlife management, Nontimber forest products (mushrooms, herbs, etc.) Conservation strategies, Legacy planning, Investing in your land, Timber harvesting, Taxes, Cost-share programs.