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Ryan Smith is a forester and project manager at the �鶹app with expertise in sustainable forest land use systems, including agroforestry, forest management, and forest landscape restoration. Ryan’s work with the ADAPT team supports establishing a multi-state network of agroforestry research and demonstration sites and coordinating research activities across sites. At The Society of American Foresters’ National Convention, Ryan presented alongside UNH Assistant Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment, Ranjit Bawa, on what the team is learning about land management strategies that fit local conditions and support climate adaptation and mitigation.

A First Look at What Agroforestry Really Looks Like Here

In summer 2024, our team completed a rapid assessment of 30 agroforestry farms across New England. A rapid assessment is a structured, short-term field study involving diverse data collection to provide an initial overview without waiting for long-term data. These farms were chosen because they had at least five years of experience with their systems, which allowed us to learn directly from early adopters.

We presented preliminary findings at this year’s North American Agroforestry Conference. Participants from all over the country are curious about how agroforestry works in New England’s unique landscape, which is up to 80 percent forested and characterized by small parcels, a long grazing history, and high participation in value-added production.

How We Structured the Research

Our work covered three areas. The biophysical team collected soil, vegetation, forage, and management practices. The economics team (Ranjit Bawa and Sajja Panta) conducted a SWOT analysis, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats specific to agroforestry in this region. The social science team (Analena Bruce, Umama Begum Ruba, and Jess Gerrior) studied the motivations and enabling conditions that allowed early adopters to begin practicing agroforestry.

Silvopasture Leads the Pack

Silvopasture was the most common agroforestry system we found in New England. We used snowball sampling, which means we identified new farms through recommendations from farmers and partners. Examples included sheep grazing under apple trees at , chestnut systems at and , and farms such as at , thinning woodlands to create managed grazing areas. At , farmers protect naturally regenerating trees in pasture, which is a low-input method for establishing trees known as “assisted natural regeneration”.

One consistent challenge in planted silvopastures is protecting young trees from livestock. Farmers use tree tubes, fencing, and careful rotation. Many said they would appreciate more guidance during tree establishment. In silvopastures involving thinning an existing forest, farmers were interested in learning more about how to establish forages in forest understories. In both areas, extension support can help. Extension agents are educators who work directly with farmers to answer technical questions, demonstrate practices, and share research-based recommendations. Our team aims to provide data that will help extension programs develop practical guidance for tree and forage establishment in silvopastures.

Insights from the Broader Agroforestry Community

At the conference, participation was strong in almost every session. Interest in forest farming was especially high. Farmers and foresters discussed cultivation of understory herbs such as wild ginseng, along with the conservation questions and state regulations that come with producing a rare and valuable plant. The is working to help growers understand this regulatory landscape.

It is important for growers to document seed sources, planting locations, and applicable rules before planting rare or threatened species like American ginseng with the intention of eventually harvesting or selling the crops.

Regulations differ by state. In some places, home-grown ginseng can be sold with proper documentation, while in others it cannot. The more growers record at the time of planting, the easier it is to comply with rules later.

What We Are Working on Now

We are analyzing a broad dataset collected in a consistent way across 30 diverse farms. Working with this dataset has allowed us to connect field observations, farmer experiences, and quantitative measurements in meaningful ways. It also highlights the value of multiple ways of thinking.

One of the biggest strengths of our research is its interdisciplinary approach. We are using multiple academic disciplines, including quantitative and qualitative methods to learn from the successes pioneered by early agroforestry adopters in a region where agroforestry research has historically been limited.

Farmers often remind us that they have decades of applied experience. By combining their knowledge with systematic data collection, we hope to strengthen extension services across New England and support future practitioners.

Survey for Chestnut Growers

Tanner Rankin, a PhD student at the University of Missouri’s , is conducting surveys with chestnut growers to understand and describe their practices for on-farm for establishment and management of orchards and their perceptions of these practices, including their effectiveness and accessibility. The survey will take 10-20 minutes. A goal of the research is to further develop grower recommendations for chestnut growers throughout the Eastern and Midwestern U.S.   To access the survey, . For more information, contact the University of Missouri’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) at 573- 882-3181 or muresearchirb@missouri.edu, or reach out to Tanner Rankin at tr3x3@missouri.edu or (610) 334-3384.