Tree-Based Livestock Feed Solutions with Shana Hanson

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

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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