#26 Holistic grazing and acorn fed pigs in the Portuguese montado with Francisco Alves

Francisco Alves manages 700ha of montado, a traditional agroforestry system of Southern Europe, with herds of cattle, goats, sheep and the famous Alentejo pig. His experience at Herdade Sao Luis exposes us to the future of recently planted silvopastural systems. We discuss important topics such as how mature trees interact with pasture, the optimum tree quantity per hectare, how they contribute to his animals' health and growth, as well as the key management constraints.On top of this, Francisco is using the holistic management technique for animal grazing. This enables him to regenerate his soil and pasture, limit damage of animals to seedlings, clearing bramble regrowth and preparing field seeding all with his diverse animal herds.Overall, Francisco is extremely enthusiastic about having mature trees in his grazing system, and sees a huge benefit as compared with open pasture.As always, 1h30 was too short to ask him all the questions we wish we could. Enjoy!• TABLE OF CONTENTS01:50 Introduction to Farm14:40 Holistic management and animal system description24:30 The pig's function, description of system, and feeding on acorns31:10 Goats, sheep and cows and the economics of diversifying animal species39:30 Tree density per hectare, managing this unique agro-ecosystem42:45 Economic flexibility with diversity, and commercialisation48:20 Interactions between trees and animals01:02:20 Optimum tree quantity per hectare for pasture production and microclimates01:08:40 Learning about and designing silvopasture systems01:12:30 Tree fodder on the farm and oak pruning01:20:40 Using animals to manage forest regrowth and keep the pasture productive• RESOURCEShttps://www.instagram.com/herdadesluis_porcusnatura/?hl=enhttps://www.projectomateria.pt/pt/produtores/porcus-natura_57• GET IN TOUCH www.regenerativeagroforestry.org• SUPPORT US www.gumroad.com/regenagroforestry• FOLLOW US on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.