Thinning forests or planting fields? Producer preferences for establishing silvopasture

Silvopasture is the intentional integration of trees, forages, and livestock. Benefits this agroforestry practice include shade for livestock, nutritious forage, reduced wind speed in pastures, as well ecosystem services tree products. The literature indicate that some livestock producers are interested silvopasture, but little known about their establishment preferences if they vary by demographics or operation type. This study hypothesized equally planting trees pastures (planting) reducing forest canopy forages (thinning) to establish effects potential benefits silvopasture on similar. To test these hypotheses, 307 Virginia, United States America were surveyed whether prefer thinning. Producers also asked extent which affect preferences. Nearly 25% 139 respondents (response rate = 45%) ‘very interested’ thinning, compared 8% planting. Animal performance welfare was primary goal, management whole-farm productivity important. Guidelines needed maintaining stand health when thinning improving protection growth silvopasture.