Shana Hanson, a visionary in sustainable agriculture, returns to share her pioneering work with tree fodder. Despite facing equipment delays and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shana's determination led to the successful 2023 harvests, highlighting the promise of tree and shrub silage as nutritious livestock feed. With support from a SARE grant, she and her team have developed a prototype machine to separate leaves from brush, marking a significant step forward in sustainable feed solutions.

Our episode dives into the intriguing development of the delimber, crafted alongside Carl Hallen. This innovative machine drastically trims down processing time, transforming tree fodder into a practical alternative to traditional livestock feed. Shana shares the unexpected success of using multiflora rose and the hurdles of managing species like gray birch and poplar. Her insights shed light on the complexities of incorporating diverse plant species into organic farming practices.

Listeners will discover the nutritional boons of leaf silage integration into livestock diets, revealing field trials that showed enhanced milk yields and improved dietary choices. Shana's research underscores the delicate balance of tree toxicity and nutrient availability, emphasizing the ecological finesse required in sustainable agriculture. As we wrap up, the excitement for Shana’s ongoing research is palpable, pointing toward a future where tree fodder could redefine agricultural practices. Join us on this journey of innovation and potential discovery in the realm of sustainable farming.

Check out Shana's farm and research at: https://3streamsfarmbelfastme.blogspot.com/p/tree-fodder-info.html

For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org

To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac

For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com

For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/

For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org

To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Key words:

Sustainable Agriculture, Tree Fodder, Livestock Feed, SARE Grant, Prototype Machine, Nutritional Testing, Livestock Trials, Mini Chainsaw Delimber, Multiflora Rose, Gray Birch, Poplar, Animal Husbandry, Leaf Silage, Nutrient Availability, Environmental Stewardship, Tree Toxicity, Protein Content, Animal Palatability, Hay, Ensiling, Listeria Risks, Milk Quality, Sustainable Farming

Venturing further into the realm of environmental politics and social movements, our discussion uncovers the limitations of liberal environmental policies and the surprising alliances between hunters and environmentalists. Hannah shares her experiences from teaching environmental social sciences, where bridging ideological divides becomes a crucial element of curriculum design. We also explore the poignant journey of the Adama Fellowship, where young Jewish individuals engage in farming, reshaping their identities and political perspectives.

To read Hannah's work, visit: https://www.hannahkass.com/research

To support the Forest Speech Fund, visit: https://bit.ly/helptheatl61

For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org

To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac

For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com

For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/

For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org

To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Join us as we explore the intricate world of forests with Dr. Allie Kosiba, a top-notch forest ecophysiologist and State Extension Forester at the University of Vermont. Dr. Kosiba brings her extensive research on tree physiology to the forefront, sharing how trees are reacting to the pressures of climate change, acid rain, and other environmental challenges. Our discussion highlights the significance of forest monitoring through techniques like aerial surveys, which provide essential insights into maintaining healthy forest ecosystems amid a rapidly changing climate.

We also delve into the struggles of white pine forests in the Northeast, examining how historical land use patterns have contributed to current vulnerabilities. Dr. Kosiba stresses the crucial role of active forest management strategies in promoting species diversity and complexity, which enhance forest resilience against diseases worsened by climate change. The conversation expands into the realm of forest management techniques, exploring the benefits of forest thinning, selective planting, and assisted migration to create more adaptable forest ecosystems.

Further, our discussion touches on the delicate process of sap extraction from sugar maples and its sensitivity to shifting weather patterns. Dr. Kosiba discusses strategies to bolster resilience, such as introducing hardier tree species and recognizing the vital role of snow in protecting soil health. As we explore the broader impacts of climate change on our forests, we emphasize the importance of fostering carbon and biodiversity while confronting the challenges of monoculture stands. With optimism and actionable insights, this episode encourages proactive steps to help our forests adapt and thrive, securing their essential roles in our environment for future generations.

To check out Dr. Kosiba's work, visit: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/profile/alexandra-ali-kosiba

For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org

To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac

For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com

For PPA Merch, visit: https://breadandrosespress.com/

For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org

To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Key Words:

Forests, Climate Change, Forest Health, Forest Monitoring, Tree Physiology, Aerial Surveys, Ground Truthing, White Pine, Northeast, Forest Management, Species Diversity, Forest Resilience, Climate Resilience, Forest Thinning, Selective Planting, Assisted Migration, Sap Extraction, Sugar Maples, Snow, Carbon, Biodiversity, Monoculture Stands, Complex Adaptive Systems, Ice Age, Human Intervention, Landowners, Community Initiatives