Maximizing Profits by Diversifying Goods: The New Farmer and Rancher

by Einar Fransen

We have seen the countless pastures and croplands driving along the highway displaying a monoculture of animals or crops.  This has been the norm for centuries and we have come to believe this is the best practice and most profitable use of the land.  The practice of monoculture can almost not be seen outside the practices of the rancher or farmer.  If you walk into any supermarket or shopping mall, you will notice that these stores carry a wide array of products.  Retailers have recognized that trends in the market change constantly and to continue making a profit they must diversify their goods. 

Ranchers, farmers, and even woodland owners can make use of diversification in goods to maximize profits and sustain land-use for the future.  Agroforestry is a management tool that integrates trees or other woody vegetation with crops and/or livestock to create a profitable, productive, and sustainable land-use.  There are 5 key practices in agroforestry and all of them incorporate trees that will provide an additional profit either in the near future, planting nut or fruit trees, or as a long term investment, by planting trees for fiber or veneer.

Forest farming is a useful management tool for farmers in the business of specialty crops.  Trees that will turn a profit for the farmer, either in food or fiber, are planted amongst other specialty crops to provide the correct protection from sun and other weather conditions.  Crops that require shade, such as shitake mushrooms and ginseng, are ideal for this practice.  Forest farming also provides an ideal habitat for large and small game that can be used as a profitable good, either by leasing the land to hunters or personal consumption.

Alley cropping utilizes rows of trees to protect crops from weather conditions and diversify income.  Agricultural or horticultural crops are planted in alleys between the rows of trees.  The trees planted could either be trees that produce food (nut or fruit) and/or timber.

Silvopasture combines trees, forage and livestock in a single consolidated practice.  Grasses and legumes that will provide feed for livestock are planted between rows of trees.  The trees will provide a source of income in the near future by the way of planting nut or fruit trees and a long-term investment when trees are planted that will be of value in timber or veneer.  The livestock will benefit from the shade the trees provide in the summer and as a windbreak in the winter.

Riparian buffer strips are living filtration systems comprised of native vegetation that offers many benefits.  Buffer strips between riparian zones and croplands are planted with native perennial trees, shrubs, and grasses.  These zones act as a filtration system of nutrients from surface run-off and serve as an effective way to control erosion.  Waterfowl favor the habitat created by riparian buffer strips, where hunters can find an abundance of birds to harvest.

Windbreaks serve not only as protection from soil erosion, but also protect crops that are susceptible to windthrow and livestock from harsh weather conditions.  These are planned and actively managed along with the livestock and/or crops.  Coniferous trees are usually planted for windbreaks, because they hold onto their needles year round and reach tall heights.  Windbreaks attract edge species, many of which are game animals and can present excellent hunting for the rancher or farmer.

Incorporating trees with your animals and/or crops has been researched by scientists and practiced by many ranchers and farmers, and proven to be productive and profitable.  This integrated system reduces costs and increases productivity through the practices of agroforestry, a practice that utilizes sustainable land-use.  Production of annual litterfall from the overstory and the retention of organic matter and carbon into upper soil profiles by the trees will improve soils and reduce the cost to treat soils.  The perennial root systems of the trees result in minimal soil erosion on the land, which will save the rancher or farmer in repair bills or lost crops due to the erosion.  Water quality will improve with reduced run-off of nutrients and soil, which otherwise would end up in nearby water sources, not being fully utilized by the land. 

Agroforestry is a management practice that delivers productivity and profits through diversifying the livestock and/or crops being harvested and reducing costs in soil and water treatment.