The Poor Prole’s Almanac

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" explores the concept of multi-species grazing within a silvopasture system. Building on previous discussions about the benefits of silvopasture, hosts Andy and Elliott discuss how incorporating a diverse array of grazing animals can enhance nutrient cycling, improve pasture health, and increase overall productivity. They introduce a specific order of animal rotation based on the animals' dietary preferences and foraging habits. Optimizing Grazing Patterns: The Leader-Follower System The hosts explain the "leader-follower" grazing system, where different animal species are introduced to the pasture in a specific sequence to maximize the utilization of available forage. The order typically starts with cows, which are more selective grazers and prefer grasses. Pigs follow, rooting for grubs, insects, and leftover fruits and nuts. Turkeys come next, consuming insects and large seeds, followed by sheep, which graze on broadleaf plants and weeds. Chickens then scratch through the remaining material, cleaning up manure and insects. This sequential grazing pattern ensures that each animal has access to its preferred food sources while preventing overgrazing of any particular plant species. The suggested order of grazing rotation is as follows: Cows: Primarily graze grasses. Pigs: Omnivorous, consuming grubs, roots, fruits, nuts, and even small animals. Turkeys: Focus on large seeds, insects, and leftover fruits and nuts. Sheep: Graze on broadleaf plants and weeds. Chickens: Scratch through manure and debris, consuming insects and leftover seeds. Goats: A Special Case The hosts highlight goats as a unique case. While goats are known for their ability to thrive on a wide range of forage, including undesirable plants, the hosts caution against incorporating them into a developing silvopasture system. Goats' indiscriminate browsing habits can pose a risk to young trees and other sensitive plants, potentially hindering the establishment of a diverse and balanced ecosystem. They suggest that goats are better suited for mature systems where the desired plants are well-established. Addressing Parasite Management The episode also addresses the importance of parasite management in multi-species grazing systems. The hosts explain that certain animals, such as sheep and goats, as well as pigs and chickens, share similar internal parasites. Rotating these species through the pasture in close succession can increase the risk of parasite transmission and outbreaks. To mitigate this, the hosts recommend introducing a "species break," allowing sufficient time between rotations to disrupt the parasite life cycle. They also suggest incorporating plants with known anti-parasitic properties into the pasture mix, such as wormwood, sage, garlic, fennel, and certain tree leaves. The Importance of Planning and Flexibility The hosts emphasize that implementing a multi-species grazing system requires careful planning and a willingness to adapt to changing conditions. Factors such as soil quality, site size, animal behavior, and available resources will all influence the design and management of the system. They advise those new to this approach to start small, gradually introducing animals and monitoring their impact on the pasture. The hosts encourage listeners to view this process as an ongoing experiment, emphasizing that mistakes are inevitable but can provide valuable learning experiences. The episode concludes by highlighting the benefits of multi-species grazing for both the land and the farmer. By mimicking natural ecological processes, this approach can enhance nutrient cycling, improve soil health, and increase overall productivity. The diverse array of animal products also provides the farmer with a greater range of income streams and a more resilient business model. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

In this episode, we talk about putting silvopasture into practice within an already existing forest setting. Brett Chedzoy of Angus Glen Farms chats with us about his experiences bringing pasture into the forest and the work he does with Cornell's agricultural extension school around the field of silvopasture.   You can check out Brett's farm at http://www.angusglenfarm.com/ and the silvopasture network at http://silvopasture.ning.com/     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac    

In this episode, we talk about putting silvopasture into practice within an already existing forest setting. Brett Chedzoy of Angus Glen Farms chats with us about his experiences bringing pasture into the forest and the work he does with Cornell's agricultural extension school around the field of silvopasture.   You can check out Brett's farm at http://www.angusglenfarm.com/ and the silvopasture network at http://silvopasture.ning.com/     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac    

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" introduces the concept of silvopasture, an integrated land management system that combines trees, forage plants, and livestock. Hosts Andy and Elliott discuss the benefits of this approach, highlighting its historical roots, ecological advantages, and potential for creating more resilient and productive food systems. Rediscovering a Forgotten Practice The episode emphasizes that silvopasture, while gaining renewed attention today, is not a novel concept. It has been practiced for centuries, often as part of traditional agricultural systems that recognized the interconnectedness of forests, grazing animals, and human food production. The hosts point out that much of the knowledge about these traditional practices has been lost or marginalized, emphasizing the need to rediscover and adapt these time-tested approaches for modern contexts. Building a Multi-Layered Ecosystem The episode explains how silvopasture creates a "stacked system of outputs" by integrating different elements of a natural ecosystem. Trees provide shade for livestock and forage plants, mitigating the effects of extreme temperatures and extending the growing season. The trees themselves can also produce food for both animals and humans in the form of fruits, nuts, and leaves. The grazing animals, in turn, contribute to the health of the system by fertilizing the soil, controlling undergrowth, and dispersing seeds. The Role of Megafauna in Shaping Landscapes The hosts take a fascinating detour into the historical role of megafauna, particularly elephants, in shaping the landscapes of North America. They posit that elephants, as keystone species, played a crucial role in maintaining the oak savannahs that once covered vast swaths of the continent. The browsing and grazing habits of these large herbivores helped to create open, park-like environments that supported a diverse array of plant and animal life. The hosts suggest that understanding these historical ecological relationships can inform our efforts to design more resilient and productive agricultural systems today. Learning From Nature's Blueprints: The Oak Savannah The episode highlights the oak savannah as a model for designing silvopasture systems. The hosts describe the characteristic species found in this biome, including oaks, chestnuts, walnuts, hickories, and a variety of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. They emphasize the importance of selecting plant species that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, as well as those that can fill specific ecological niches within the system. Integrating Domesticated Species and Cultivars While advocating for the use of native species as the foundation of a silvopasture system, the hosts acknowledge that selectively bred cultivars and domesticated animals can play a valuable role. They suggest substituting cultivated varieties for native species when appropriate, particularly for those plants that provide food for humans. The key, they argue, is to strike a balance between ecological integrity and human needs, ensuring that the introduced species complement rather than disrupt the existing ecosystem. Moving Beyond Novelty: Integrating Traditional Foods into Modern Diets The hosts raise an important point about the need to move beyond viewing traditional food sources, such as acorns and beechnuts, as mere novelties. They challenge listeners to consider how these often-overlooked foods can be integrated into modern diets in meaningful ways, contributing to both nutritional diversity and ecological sustainability. This shift in perspective, they argue, requires a willingness to experiment, adapt recipes, and challenge conventional notions of what constitutes "edible" and "desirable" food. Animals as Part of the Ecosystem The episode touches upon the role of animals in silvopasture systems, acknowledging the complexity of integrating livestock into a dynamic ecosystem. The hosts emphasize that animal populations naturally fluctuate based on food availability and other environmental factors. They suggest that understanding these natural patterns can inform management decisions, ensuring that livestock grazing contributes to the overall health and productivity of the system. The Importance of Observation and Patience The hosts conclude by stressing the importance of observation and patience in designing and managing silvopasture systems. They advise those new to this approach to spend time observing their land, understanding its natural patterns and identifying potential niches for different species. This patient and attentive approach, they argue, is crucial for creating a truly integrated and resilient system that works in harmony with the local ecology. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

We chat with R. Scot Miller, author of "Gospel of the Absurd", a theological primer concerned with messianic and feminist care-ethics, about outreach and the overlaps of Quakerism and Anarchy. Why does modern religion fail our communities, and how can it be used as a tool to empower community in the future?     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac

In this episode, we chat with Cathy Mayne, ecologist at Mountain Environment Services, about the current state of the Scottish Highlands, and the triangulated relationship between ecology in the context of time, humans, and climate change.  What do we do with ecological biomes where we can't go back to the past because of climactic change? Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac

We chat with Dr. Inés Ibáñez from the University of Michigan's School for the Environment, who joins us to unravel the complex web between climate change, invasive species, and our beloved forest ecosystems. Her journey from a budding interest in biology to becoming a passionate advocate for forest ecology is nothing short of inspiring. Our conversation navigates through the critical impacts of climate change and human activity, like landscape fragmentation and pollution, on forest dynamics, which are leading to uncertain and novel environments. Dr. Ibanez unveils the challenges posed by invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and underscores the necessity of fortifying native forest communities to counter these threats. In our exploration, we tackle the intriguing phenomenon of phenological escape, where plants are adjusting to longer growing seasons by sprouting earlier in the spring. Though this change offers some respite against summer dormancy, invasive species are harnessing these shifts more adeptly than native plants, posing unique challenges to forests, especially in regions like New England. We ponder the prospects of invasives filling ecological voids left by climate change and the controversial strategy of assisted migration to aid native species in adapting to swiftly changing climates. Our dialogue extends to the significance of enhancing forest resilience and diversity in the face of these challenges. We delve into strategies like simulating natural migration patterns through the relocation of tree species and emphasize the critical role of genetic diversity in safeguarding forests against pests and pathogens. Dr. Ibáñez shares insights into the interdisciplinary efforts underway at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability, which are vital in addressing these pressing environmental issues. Whether you're a forest enthusiast or just curious about the ongoing battle to preserve our natural world, this episode promises thought-provoking insights and actionable steps for everyone. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our Patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org Key Words: Climate Change, Invasive Species, Forest Ecosystems, Forest Dynamics, Landscape Fragmentation, Pollution, Japanese Knotweed, Native Forest Communities, Phenological Escape, Plant Phenology, Growing Season, Summer Dormancy, Assisted Migration, Forest Resilience, Genetic Diversity, Tree Species, Selective Breeding, Genetic Banking, Land Management, Interdisciplinary Approach, University of Michigan, School for Environment and Sustainability

What do ants, the Cherokee, and Honey Locusts have in common? We chat with Dr. Robert Warren of the Warren lab of SUNY Buffalo about climate change & human-managed landscapes. To see his research, check out: http://scholar.buffalostate.edu/warrenrj/   For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/   Ecological Systems, Climate Change, Ants, Seed Dispersal, Ecosystem Engineering, Plants, Reproduction, Antimicrobial Benefits, Honey Locust Tree, Native American Cultures, Sugary Pods, Human Intervention, Ecological Resilience, Non-Native Species, Oak Trees, Nature Conservation, Communication, Doug Tallamy, Scientific Research

We chat with ecologist Peter Etheridge about saving ancient forests, the role of humans in landscapes, and finding common ground with non-leftists in ecological spaces.   Check out Pete's work at http://greenwood-ecology.co.uk/   Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac

We chat with Mark Wardle about rewilding projects going on across the UK, lessons from 3 decades working in ecology restoration, ancient farming practices and the loss of ancestral knowledge. What is the role of these traditional practices in the future?     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac