Silvopasture is growing trees, cattle, and grass on the same land. Alley cropping is growing crops between tree rows. The idea is that farmers can use their land to make supplemental income during livestock down markets, without sacrificing their main source of income or losing profits. Selecting the right tree species depends on several factors, including climate, soil conditions, vegetation, product type, and acreage. Black walnut, pecan, loblolly pine, and slash pine are the leading tree species in the southeastern United States, because they are best suited for the region's weather and soil conditions.
People are concerned about the environment and giving back to the land.
Agroforestry does this. Trees also provide shade. This is important, because some cattle species eat less when it is hot. Providing shade for the animals can mean a 15 to 20 percent weight gain, based on research in the tropics. But cattle should be turned into a silvopasture only after young trees are well established, about 3 or 4 years after planting.