197. Silvopasture in the Real World with Austin Unruh

Austin Unruh returns for another deep, practical conversation on silvopasture — this time focusing on “the dip,” livestock pressure, pruning, shade strategy, pigs and poultry in tree systems, and what to do in Year Zero before you ever put a seedling in the ground. If you’ve ever stared at your pastures on a hot day wishing you had more shade… this one will light a fire under you.What we cover in this episode:The “dip” in silvopasture: why years 1–4 feel like a grindShade as the low-hanging fruit — and why it’s only the beginningLivestock pressure: how to protect trees when cattle, horses, and wildlife want to destroy themPruning young vs. established trees (and the dangers of over-pruning)Species selection for different goals: shade, fodder, privacy screens, and livestock feedWhy mulberries and persimmons shine for pigs and poultryRunning pigs IN establishment-phase silvopasture (pros, cons, protection methods)Tree spacing, patterns, and why grids usually beat random placementsManaging compaction, vole pressure, and bark hardeningYear Zero → Year Two: fall tasks, maintenance, ordering trees, and setting up for successWhy early wins matter psychologically (and how to get them)Continuous grazing vs rotational grazing when it comes to tree cropsIf you’re serious about silvopasture, this episode gives you a roadmap from the ground up — from species selection and timing to realistic maintenance and livestock integration. Austin breaks down the parts most graziers underestimate: the grind, the setbacks, and the discipline it takes before shade and feed finally show up. Whether you’re planting five trees or five hundred, you’ll walk away with clearer steps and fewer unknowns.Resources mentioned:Trees for Graziers — treesforgraziers.comCastor oil vole deterrent productsAcres U.S.A. (publisher of Austin’s upcoming second edition)Liberty apple, crabapple, and apple-crab varietiesHybrid willow, hybrid poplar, black locust, honey locustRusted Plowshare Farm (Josh Payne)Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook)Original Music by Louis Palfrey