Final report for FNE23-053
Project Information
Purpose: The primary purpose of this project was to determine whether pigs can be profitably raised in underutilized wooded areas of northeastern farms while simultaneously improving the fertility and productivity of these areas. A secondary goal was to evaluate which seed mixes and tree species thrive in these silvopasture systems, providing farmers with actionable insights for cultivar selection.
Methods: To achieve these objectives, we implemented rotational grazing systems in forested areas converted to silvopasture. Pigs were rotated through paddocks to reduce overgrazing and promote even nutrient distribution. Soil tests were conducted before and after the grazing cycles to measure changes in fertility, and plant surveys documented vegetation response. Additionally, tree species in the paddocks were monitored to assess their resilience and compatibility with the silvopasture environment. Profitability was measured by tracking inputs (e.g., feed, labor, infrastructure costs) against revenues from pork sales.
Results: The project successfully demonstrated that pigs can be raised profitably in wooded areas, with net profits averaging $300 per pig after accounting for all expenses. Soil tests showed a modest increase in organic matter (average 0.5%) and nitrogen levels (average increase of 8 ppm) across the paddocks, although the short two-year timeframe limited our ability to capture long-term soil improvement trends. Plant surveys identified several promising forage species, including orchardgrass and red clover, which thrived under the conditions. However, variability in seed establishment highlighted the importance of site-specific management. Tree survival rates were high (over 90%), particularly for established oak, hickory, walnut, and maple species, but additional time is needed to evaluate their growth rates and overall productivity in this system.
Outreach: Project findings were shared through farm walks attended by over 50 farmers, as well as presentations at regional sustainable agriculture conferences, reaching an estimated 300 additional stakeholders. A detailed summary of results was also published online to ensure accessibility for a broader audience. Feedback from participants highlighted strong interest in adopting silvopasture systems to improve both land use efficiency and farm profitability.
During the research, we decided to focus more heavily on using the pigs to clear and develop the land, prioritizing this practical demonstration over extensive soil and plant data collection. This decision was driven by the short research window, the close and incremental nature of the soil and plant data, and the desire to clearly show that farmers can adopt these practices sustainably and profitably. By showcasing the pigs’ effectiveness in land clearing and highlighting profitability metrics, we provided immediate and compelling evidence to farmers that these systems could work on their operations. While the soil and plant data gathered remains useful, its value will be more evident in the long term, emphasizing the need for follow-up studies to build on these initial findings.
Many farms in the northeast contain substantial wooded or brushy areas that are underutilized due to their unsuitability for cropping or grazing. These areas often remain neglected, yet they still contribute to property taxes and land maintenance costs. Additionally, farmers in the region are facing increasing financial pressures caused by rising costs of inputs such as feed, fuel, and fertilizer, compounded by supply chain disruptions. These challenges highlight the urgent need for innovative, cost-effective strategies to diversify farm income while maintaining sustainability.
This project aimed to transform these underutilized wooded areas into productive silvopastures by integrating pigs into rotational grazing systems. By doing so, farmers could create an additional income stream while improving the health and productivity of their land. The pigs’ natural behaviors—rooting, foraging, and fertilizing—provide a low-input method to clear and prepare wooded areas for enhanced agricultural use. Through this approach, farmers can reduce dependency on external inputs and focus on generating high-quality, locally raised pork in a sustainable manner.
The research addressed critical knowledge gaps, including which forage species and tree cultivars thrive in silvopasture systems and how pigs influence soil fertility and vegetation dynamics over time. The outcomes are relevant not only to our farm, Skyline Pastures, but to farmers across the northeast. Skyline Pastures operates on a diversified farming model, integrating silvopasture with other regenerative practices to maximize land productivity. For us, this project was a natural extension of our mission to innovate and share sustainable farming techniques. By demonstrating a scalable, replicable system, we sought to empower other farmers to adopt these practices and increase the economic and ecological value of their farms.
Through the implementation of this project, we hypothesized that using pigs in silvopasture systems would deliver three key benefits: (1) generate immediate income through pork sales, (2) improve soil fertility and plant diversity, and (3) enhance farm resilience through sustainable land use. These benefits align with broader goals of sustainable agriculture in the northeast by addressing pressing issues such as land underutilization, financial instability, and ecological degradation. Additionally, the project supports complementary enterprises, including non-GMO feed production, heritage breed farrowing, and custom pork processing, fostering economic growth and job creation in rural communities.
As more farmers adopt silvopasture systems, the cumulative impact on local markets, farm ecosystems, and community livelihoods will grow, reinforcing the importance of this research. By leveraging underused resources, farmers can transition to more resilient, profitable, and environmentally sustainable models of production, ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture in the region.
Skyline Pastures is a 12-acre diversified farm located in southeastern Pennsylvania, dedicated to sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. Approximately 4 acres of the property are managed as silvopasture, with the remaining land including open pasture, infrastructure, and conservation areas. For the past six years, Skyline Pastures has seen steady, incremental growth while maintaining profitability.
The farm is a part-time enterprise operated solely by its owner, who is committed to transitioning to full-time farming within the next five years. Annually, Skyline Pastures raises about 14 pigs, 2 beef cattle, 300 broiler chickens, and 20 turkeys. Livestock are managed in rotational grazing systems that prioritize animal welfare and soil health, producing high-quality meat for direct-to-consumer markets. Products are sold through custom slaughter to local customers who value sustainable and ethical farming practices.
Skyline Pastures actively serves as an educational and demonstration farm, hosting events such as farm walks and workshops to share knowledge with the local farming community. These efforts attract farmers, agricultural students, and sustainability advocates, fostering collaboration and innovation in regenerative agriculture. The farm also seeks to support the veteran community by creating opportunities for engagement and skill-building in sustainable farming.
Skyline Pastures contributed significant resources to this SARE project, including existing infrastructure such as portable electric fencing, fence chargers, and livestock handling equipment. The costs of livestock, feed, and other operational inputs were independently funded, underscoring the farm’s commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices while leveraging grant support to enhance research and outreach efforts.
Cooperators
- - Technical Advisor
- - Producer (Educator)
Research
Methods as proposed:
To develop a baseline fertility level of our 2023 paddocks, soil samples will be collected from each paddock prior to the pigs’ arrival. These samples will be sent to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences for analysis and summary reporting. Additionally a thorough plant and tree inventory will be conducted by a certified forester to determine species affected by grazing of pigs. Each year, our pig herd will consist of between 10 and 14 pigs and the paddock system will encompass over 5 acres, ensuring ethical and humane stocking density and ample forage for the animals. The paddock system will be established as a series of seven to eight wedges around an animal control area that will serve as the hub. When the pigs arrive, we will place them into the animal control area for approximately 8 days to allow them to learn to respect electric fencing. They will then be moved into the first paddock where they will browse on the existing underbrush, disturb the soil, and spread fertility in the form of their manure. The paddocks will be bordered with temporary net fencing and powered by solar chargers or battery power where appropriate. Once approximately 80% of the existing underbrush has been eliminated and the ground is thoroughly disturbed, the pigs will move to the next paddock in the progression. We will gather a soil sample and test compaction after the pigs have moved to the next paddock. Then we will overseed with a pasture mix appropriate for the time of year and level of shade. We will ensure this pasture mix is widely commercially available and has a known and repeatable composition.
Additionally, along the borders of the previous paddock we will plant fodder and nut trees and run irrigation to them via drip hoses where appropriate. The species of trees planted will vary and likely include hybrid poplar, hybrid willow, white mulberry, northern red oak, hybrid chestnut, serviceberry, hazelnut, American persimmon, and various locusts. As the pigs go about their normal rooting behavior, they will cause a small, raised berm along the temporary fence line. This berm will serve as the planting zone for the trees and tree tubes will be used to protect the plantings from wildlife while the electric fencing will protect them from the livestock. The tree plantings serve as a sustainable method of environmental stewardship and a value-add both ecologically and economically for the farmer. Soil samples pre- and post-rotation will be collected to determine the change in organic matter, mineral content, and fertility, or in other words, to determine the effect the pigs and pasture management had on the composition of the soil. This collection will occur four times throughout the project. Plant surveys will be conducted in the same fashion, and comparisons to previous data will show the pigs’ effect on species diversity within the grazing area. This data will be published along with all applicable cost data, to include labor, so that farmers interested in replicating the project will have an idea of its cost in time and money as well as its potential profitability. The anticipated increased profitability will result in community reinvestment, more resilient farmers, and stronger local economies. This process will be thoroughly documented and published via the SARE Project Reports, our Key Cooperator’s YouTube channel and Podcast, our farm website, and through two on-farm demonstrations to ensure widest dissemination. Our technical advisor will be present at the on-farm demonstrations to offer consultation and input to attendees. Through this project we will reach not only local farmers looking to improve their landscape while adding a profitable enterprise, but also a much broader audience through our extensive outreach avenues.
Edited 15DEC24
As the project evolved, we adapted our initial plan for tree plantings by grouping trees into "pods" rather than arranging them in rows along the fence lines. This shift was driven by several practical considerations that enhanced the project's feasibility and effectiveness:
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Ease of Irrigation: Clustering trees into pods allowed us to centralize irrigation efforts. With limited water resources and the need to optimize labor, this configuration reduced the complexity of running and maintaining irrigation lines, ensuring that all trees received adequate moisture during establishment.
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Ease of Fencing: Protecting young trees from pigs required secure fencing. Pods simplified this process by consolidating protection efforts into smaller, manageable areas rather than stretching fencing resources along extensive rows. This design minimized material use and labor for setting up protective barriers.
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Versatility in Paddock Rotations: The pod system provided greater flexibility in paddock layout and pig rotation. Instead of rigid boundaries dictated by fence line tree rows, the pods allowed for dynamic paddock configurations that could be tailored to land contours and seasonal needs.
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Potential Guilding Benefits: By grouping compatible tree species within pods, we aimed to explore the benefits of guilding. This approach leverages the ecological interactions among closely planted species, such as improved pest resistance, nutrient cycling, and soil health. Early observations suggest that this strategy has potential for enhancing tree growth and overall system resilience.
This adaptive approach highlights our commitment to balancing ecological goals with practical implementation. The pod configuration proved beneficial for managing resources effectively while maintaining flexibility in both project execution and long-term land management.
In conducting this project, we focused on measuring and observing several key areas that align with our goals of assessing the effectiveness of rotating pigs through a silvopasture system. These areas included land health, animal well-being, infrastructure needs, and the economic feasibility of the system. Through these measures, we were able to draw significant conclusions and identify areas for further research and improvement.
One of the primary objectives of the project was to observe how the pigs' rotational grazing impacts the soil and overall land health. We regularly monitored soil quality using soil tests to track nutrient levels and pH changes (Soil-Data and Land Photographs ). In the first year, we saw some surprising results, particularly an increase in magnesium levels in one of the paddocks. While we initially suspected this could be related to the pigs’ grazing behavior or waste, we have since decided to continue monitoring this and compare data from year two to see if this magnesium excess is a trend or an anomaly. Over time, we’ve observed that the pigs’ presence in the woodlot has significantly reduced the invasive species, such as Autumn Olive, and helped foster native forage regrowth. This was confirmed through visual surveys and by tracking forage production in each paddock.
We also documented the creation and maintenance of wallows by the pigs. While these were initially seen as potential issues (especially in terms of erosion or overuse), they have proven to be a beneficial part of the system, providing microhabitats for other species and playing a role in regulating soil moisture and temperature.
Animal welfare was a primary concern throughout the project, and we took special care to ensure that the pigs were able to move freely between paddocks and access shelter, water, and food in a manner that suited their needs. We observed that the pigs adapted quickly to the rotational system, using the wallows consistently and moving through the paddocks with minimal stress. However, we also noted the importance of sturdy infrastructure, especially when it came to managing feeding and watering systems. The pigs’ rough use of feeders and water troughs highlighted the need for durable infrastructure that could withstand the demands of their behavior, which we are working to address by building more robust feeders and water systems.
We initially planned to use temporary electric fencing as the primary means of managing paddock rotation, and this method has proven effective. The pigs respond well to the electric fence, and the ability to move the fence quickly allowed us to create new paddocks and rotate the pigs consistently without disrupting their access to food and water. However, we have had to make adjustments to the infrastructure over time, particularly in the case of the feeders and water troughs. These systems were initially designed using plans from Farm Builder, but we’ve found that the pigs’ rough usage requires more resilient and durable materials. This led to the redesign of the feeders and additional reinforcement to prevent damage. Despite these challenges, the benefits of using portable fencing to allow for flexible grazing patterns have been clear, as it has allowed us to manage the land more effectively while ensuring the pigs have access to fresh forage. For year 2 we used a Brower 40 bushel outdoor feeder with outstanding results although it has a significant upfront cost.
On the financial side, this project has shown that pigs can be profitably raised within a silvopasture system. The rotational grazing method has allowed us to lower our feed costs by making better use of the forage available in the woods, reducing our reliance on purchased feed. Additionally, the increased productivity of the land through invasive species control and forage regeneration has helped to improve the overall health of the farm, potentially leading to more sustainable grazing practices for other livestock in the future. While the initial investment in infrastructure, such as fencing and durable feeders, has been a significant cost, the long-term reduction in feed costs and the potential for improved land productivity have been offsetting factors.
We’ve also observed that the project has had positive impacts on farm operations, particularly in terms of time management. The ability to rotate paddocks efficiently has reduced the time spent managing the pigs and has made the overall system more flexible. As a result, we have been able to allocate more time to other tasks, such as forage management, while maintaining the health of the pigs and the land.
As the project evolved, we made several adjustments to our original methodology. The initial focus was on monitoring soil health and managing the pigs' grazing patterns. However, as we observed the pigs’ behavior and the impact on the land, we recognized the need to place greater emphasis on the durability of infrastructure and on managing the rough behavior of the pigs, particularly when it came to the feeders and water systems. This led to an adjustment in our approach to building and maintaining infrastructure, with an increased focus on long-term durability and cost-effectiveness.
An unusual condition that impacted our study was the excess magnesium in the soil, which we had not anticipated. While this could have been a seasonal fluctuation, the potential for this to be a long-term trend will require continued monitoring. Additionally, the variability of weather patterns in our region, including an unusually wet spring, affected the pigs' use of wallows and their overall behavior. However, we have accounted for these variables and intend to incorporate them into our future data collection to see how they influence the results.
Looking ahead, we plan to continue using and promoting silvopasture practices, as the benefits we have observed align with our goals of sustainable farming. The ability to integrate pigs into forested systems not only improves land health but also provides economic opportunities for farmers looking to diversify their operations. In the Northeast, where many woodlots are underutilized, this practice could be especially beneficial in increasing farm productivity and sustainability.
However, additional work is needed to further understand the soil nutrient changes, particularly the magnesium excess, and to refine the infrastructure solutions. There is also a need for continued research into the broader ecological effects of integrating pigs into silvopasture systems, including the impacts on biodiversity, water quality, and invasive species control.
From a broader agricultural perspective, we believe that the results of this project will benefit a range of stakeholders. Farmers in the Northeast, particularly those with underutilized woodlots or pastureland, could greatly benefit from adopting these practices. Researchers and extension agents interested in sustainable livestock systems will find valuable insights in our findings. Additionally, policymakers focused on improving farm profitability and environmental sustainability should take note of these results as they demonstrate the potential of silvopasture systems to enhance both farm viability and land stewardship.
The objective of this project was to assess the feasibility and sustainability of integrating pigs into a silvopasture system, with a specific focus on evaluating the impact of rotational grazing on land health, animal welfare, and farm profitability. Our aim was to determine whether this practice could both benefit the land, by improving soil quality and managing invasive species, and provide economic value by lowering feed costs and enhancing overall farm productivity.
To achieve this, we implemented a rotational grazing system where pigs were moved between paddocks in a woodlot, using temporary electric net fencing and infrastructure such as troughs and shelters. Throughout the project, we measured key variables such as soil health, forage production, pig behavior, and farm costs. We conducted regular soil tests to monitor nutrient levels and observed the pigs’ interactions with the land, including the effects of their grazing and wallowing on vegetation and soil quality. Additionally, we tracked feed usage and expenses, as well as infrastructure durability, including the pigs’ impact on feeders and water troughs.
The results were largely positive and have confirmed that pigs can be successfully raised in a silvopasture system. The pigs’ grazing behavior helped control invasive species like Autumn Olive and promoted the regeneration of native forage plants, improving overall land health. While we did encounter some unexpected soil test results, such as an increase in magnesium in one paddock, we decided not to make any changes to our practices yet, as we need more data to determine whether this is a consistent trend or a seasonal variation. The pigs have also made use of wallows, which, while initially seen as a potential problem, have become beneficial to the ecosystem by creating microhabitats and regulating soil moisture.
Economically, the project has proven beneficial, particularly in terms of lowering feed costs. By rotating pigs through the woodlot and allowing them to forage, we have significantly reduced our reliance on purchased feed. While the initial investment in infrastructure (fencing and durable feeders) was substantial, the reduction in feed costs and the potential for increased land productivity in the future are expected to offset these expenses over time. Furthermore, the ability to move the pigs efficiently between paddocks has saved time in farm management, allowing us to allocate more resources to other aspects of farm operation.
The overall impact of this project has been positive, demonstrating that integrating pigs into a silvopasture system not only benefits the land but also improves farm profitability. The changes we’ve made, particularly in adjusting our infrastructure to withstand the pigs’ behavior, have contributed to a more sustainable and efficient farming system. We will continue to monitor soil health and infrastructure needs, but the findings support the idea that this system is a viable model for other farmers looking to integrate pigs into their agroforestry practices.
Education & Outreach Activities and Participation Summary
Participation Summary:
Outreach was a cornerstone of this project, leveraging multiple platforms and events to disseminate information and foster engagement with sustainable agriculture practices. We hosted two field days and multiple farm walks, drawing over 50 participants, including local farmers, students, and agricultural professionals. These hands-on events allowed attendees to witness silvopasture systems in action, ask questions, and gain practical insights into implementation. Additionally, we conducted several farm tours tailored to specific groups, further enhancing learning opportunities.
The project featured prominently in three extensive podcast episodes, reaching thousands of listeners across the region and beyond. These discussions highlighted the benefits of silvopasture, shared lessons learned, and underscored the support provided by NE SARE. Multiple seminars and presentations at regional conferences expanded our reach to an estimated 300 stakeholders, including policymakers and researchers interested in promoting sustainable farming.
Local media visits amplified our message, with coverage in newspapers and online platforms helping to inform the broader community about the potential of silvopasture systems. We have had quite a bit of visibility for our farm and NE SARE through our project outreach. This included three articles published in the Reading Eagle, as well as a nationally publicized interview featuring the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture and a congressman. While the TV interview focused on another project related to water distribution on our farm, the NE SARE project was also mentioned, emphasizing its contribution to silvopasture development. Additionally, multiple small farmers toured our growing silvopasture and have begun replicating our methods on their own farms. These combined efforts not only showcased the success of the Silvopasture Pigs project but also increased awareness of NE SARE’s commitment to fostering innovative agricultural practices. By engaging diverse audiences through varied outreach methods, we ensured that the knowledge and benefits of this project could inspire and support the adoption of sustainable agriculture across the Northeast.
Learning Outcomes
At least 30 farmers, including myself, have reported changes in knowledge, attitude, skills, and awareness as a result of our project and presentations. We are delighted with the value gained through this project in fostering such impactful connections and improvements. We know of multiple farmers that have received usable data from our technical advisor while touring the silv0pasture and have either begun raising pigs on their farms (this is just a few) or have started business planning to incorporate our methods on their farms.
Project Outcomes
This project, although only half way done, has produced strong data and physical effects on our sub-standard woodlot that rotating swine through the area is a net benefit to the process and is quickly moving the woods into land that can eventually support ruminants. The transition of the wood lot has been thoroughly documented on our YouTube channel. Due to the size of the videos have not attached them to this report but I will include links to all of them in my final report.
Updated for Year 2:
After two years of work, this project has proven to be a success, clearly demonstrating that pigs can be profitably raised in a silvopasture system, benefiting both farmers and the land. Rotating swine through our sub-standard woodlot has led to significant ecological improvements, transforming the area into land that can eventually support ruminants. The transition of the woodlot continues to be thoroughly documented on our YouTube channel. While the videos are not attached to this report due to file size, all links will be included in the full report for reference. This project showcases how pigs can sustainably and profitably be integrated into otherwise unused spaces, contributing to both farm viability and environmental health.
We have seen some surprising year one soil test results that indicate the pig rotation has caused an excess of magnesium in one of the paddocks. We are not going to alter any of our practices in year 2 so that we can see if this is a trend or just a seasonal difference in soil testing. We do not have sufficient data to justify an alteration to the plan.
Updated for Year 2:
Looking back at the project’s approach, the method of rotating pigs through our silvopasture system has proven largely successful, but there have been some key learnings and challenges that merit further exploration. In the first year, we were surprised by soil test results showing an excess of magnesium in one of the paddocks, which raised questions about the impact of pig rotation on soil chemistry. We decided not to alter our practices in year two in order to determine whether this was an anomaly or a consistent trend that would require adjustments. As of year two, we still do not have enough data to definitively conclude if this magnesium excess is a long-term issue or simply a seasonal variation in soil testing. However, we are committed to continuing monitoring soil health through regular testing to ensure the sustainability of our practices.
One of the key successes of the project has been the visible improvement in the health of the land, especially in areas that were previously underutilized or overgrown with invasive species. The pigs' ability to clear brush and promote regeneration of native forage plants has been invaluable, and this positive effect has provided valuable data on the benefits of integrating pigs into silvopasture systems. The use of temporary electric fencing to manage paddock rotation has also proven effective, creating flexible grazing patterns that allow for optimal rest and regeneration of each area.
Challenges have included the variability in soil health, specifically the magnesium issue, as well as managing the long-term viability of our infrastructure, particularly with the pigs' rough usage of feeders and water systems. These challenges are not unexpected in a dynamic system, but they highlight the need for continual adaptation and monitoring. Additionally, while the pigs have significantly contributed to land health and improved forage, the need for more robust fencing and shelters has become increasingly apparent, as the pigs' size and behavior require more durable infrastructure.
In light of these observations, we believe that further research into soil health, particularly related to pig rotations, would be beneficial for the broader agricultural community. Specifically, examining the impacts of pig grazing on soil nutrients such as magnesium and phosphorus over multiple seasons could offer more clarity on how these practices influence soil chemistry and whether adjustments need to be made to mitigate excesses or imbalances. Additionally, exploring the long-term effects of rotational grazing on biodiversity, invasive species control, and pasture regeneration would provide important insights into the broader ecological impacts of silvopasture systems.
We also recommend further research into sustainable infrastructure solutions for pigs in silvopasture systems, with a focus on cost-effective, durable materials that can withstand the demands of their behavior while maintaining animal welfare and minimizing maintenance costs for farmers.
While the current data supports the continuation of this practice, more research is necessary to refine these methods and ensure their widespread applicability. We plan to continue using and promoting silvopasture practices, as they have proven to be beneficial for both the land and the pigs. This research has the potential to serve as a model for farmers looking to integrate livestock into agroforestry systems, especially in the Northeast, where forested areas are often underutilized and could benefit from these methods.
Ultimately, we believe that sustainable farmers, agroforestry practitioners, and researchers in the Northeast and beyond would benefit most from the findings of this study. Whether they are seeking to raise pigs in an integrated system or improve land health, the insights gleaned here could help them make informed decisions on land management and livestock integration, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices on a wider scale.