Silvopasture Innovators Gather in Marietta to Share Expertise

Marietta, Pennsylvania, became a hub of innovation on November 14 as silvopasture enthusiasts from across the United States gathered at Drager Farms to exchange ideas on integrating trees into grazing systems.

Hosted by the nonprofit Trees for Graziers, the three-day event brought together 35 participants from states as far-flung as Vermont and Mississippi to explore the benefits of silvopasture for livestock and soil health.

A Vision for Sustainable Grazing

Nathan Drager, owner of the host farm, has been practicing silvopasture since 2016. With 40 acres of pasture supporting 35 heads of Lowline/Angus cross cattle, his farm is a model for combining traditional grazing with tree planting.

The system improves soil fertility, reduces heat stress for animals, and mitigates environmental impact.

Drager explained his fencing innovation, an “overpass” system, which uses electrified polywire to shield young trees while still allowing cattle access to graze beneath them. This clever approach ensures tree protection while maximizing land use efficiency.

“Either you starve to death or move under the wire,” Drager quipped, underscoring his confidence in cattle adapting to the system.

Collaboration and Education

The event featured lively discussions on topics like tree planting, grafting, and the use of live stakes. Participants learned about tree varieties best suited for silvopasture and techniques for integrating agroforestry into diverse farm settings.

Austin Unruh, CEO of Trees for Graziers, highlighted the value of collaboration: “Our goal with SilvoPro is to bring people in from all over the country and show them what we’re doing.”

Funded by a grant from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, the initiative aims to spread silvopasture knowledge nationwide.

A Future Rooted in Sustainability

Drager’s farm, certified as Animal Welfare Approved and 100% grass-fed by A Greener World, reflects the potential of silvopasture to align agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship.

As attendees departed, the event left them inspired to adopt and adapt these practices in their own regions, moving toward a future where farming and conservation grow hand in hand.

Discover more about how sustainable grazing practices like silvopasture are reshaping the livestock industry. Visit our homepage for updates and insights.