The Mifflin County Conservation District is sponsoring a Silvopasture Field Dat on June 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wahler Farm, 1384 Sugar Valley Road, McVeytown, Pa.

Silvopasturing is an important new agroforestry system for the Northeast that allows for the sustainable production of timber, forages and livestock on the same land.  Silvopasturing differs from past grazing practices in wooded areas in that the livestock and timber are intensively managed to achieve the desired objectives. 

New fencing systems, a better understanding of animal behavior, and the evolution of “management intensive grazing” practices have enabled the successful implementation of silvopasturing in the Northeast to provide significant environmental and economic benefits. 

In this intensive one-day course, Brett Chedzoy, is a forester with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County, NY, and Peter Smallidge, the New York State Extension Forester, will teach participants the basic steps and skills needed to evaluate, plan for and implement silvopasture projects on their own land or land that they manage for others.

Throughout the day, Norm Conrad and Christopher Lent with the National Center for Appropriate Technology will provide an on-site demonstration of solar- powered fencing and pumps, and information about how NCAT can assist farmers with Sustainable Energy, Farm Energy, Sustainable Agriculture, Information Technology or Business Services needs.

A registration fee of $10 is payable by check to the Mifflin District.  For more information, Click Here to download event flyer and registration form or call 717-248-4695.

5/13/2013