About this episode

This episode explores silvopasture strategies with Austin Unruh, focusing on tree integration in livestock farming.

In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, host Taylor Henry sits down with Austin Unruh , founder of Trees for Grazers and author of The Grazer’s Guide to Trees , to explore the real-world economics and management of silvopasture. Austin shares the lessons learned from establishing thousands of trees on working livestock farms, including the tree protection methods that are delivering 90%+ survival rates. The conversation dives into shade as a profit driver, the forage benefits of well-designed silvopasture systems, and how species like honey locust, persimmon, and mulberry can provide valuable livestock feed throughout the year. They also discuss: The latest updates in the second edition of The Grazer’s Guide to Trees Tree establishment strategies that minimize risk and maintenance Research on livestock performance and heat-stress reduction Feed-producing trees for cattle, pigs, and poultry Silvopasture economics and return on investment Lessons from projects with farms like White Oak Pastures Funding opportunities and practical steps for getting started Whether you're interested in improving animal performance, extending the grazing season, or building a more resilient farm…

People in this episode

Host: Taylor Henry

Guest: Austin Unruh

Topics covered

• silvopasture
• livestock management
• tree integration
• forage benefits
• economic strategies

Keywords

• silvopasture
• livestock feed
• tree protection
• forage benefits
• economic return

Sponsors

Azure Standard, American Farmland Trust

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Trees for Grazers

Books & works: The Grazer’s Guide to Trees

Places: White Oak Pastures

More episodes of The Acres U.S.A. Podcast

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• From Farm Weird to Future Farming: Jason Mauck on Intercropping, Livestock Integration & Regenerative Innovation Ep. 108 · May 25, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Soil, Health & Freedom | A Conversation About Chemical Off-Ramps with RFK Jr. · May 18, 2026 · 1h 4m
• The True Cost of Industrial Agriculture | Chris Jones on Water, Soil & the Future of Farming Ep. 107 · May 11, 2026 · 59 min

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