Although Overyield is optimized for modeling tree-based production systems, the software can be used to simulate ag systems that integrate livestock and forage.
In the above example, permanent paddocks are integrated with multifunctional conifer windbreaks, timber plantings, and fodder species. Silvopasture sections are organized to enable rotational grazing and movement between paddocks until trees are above browse height. Integration of dense timber plantings with in-tact pasture balance forage production with shade provision and harvest and management efficiencies.
Silvopasture Crop Templates
Several crop templates in Overyield might be useful for silvopasture practitioners.
Fodder Willow and Fodder Mulberry
The “revenue streams” in these templates account for feed costs recouped through increased dry matter hay + mineral consumption in cattle.
8 ft deer fence template
This template can be used to calculate the cost of fencing based on the actual variable length of fencing drawn, with costs scaling to your design.
Other silvopasture species explored through our collaborative research with The Nature Conservancy include Longleaf Pine, Black Locust, Curly Poplar, Hybrid Poplar, Pecans and Chestnut [labeled “Species Name (TNC Silvopasture)” in OY]
Silvopasture mix
This template is a placeholder for a mixture of native perennial species found in silvopasture systems, such as persimmon and honey locust.
Modeling Forage & Livestock Production
Modeling forage and livestock in Overyield is difficult, as the software is optimized for wider spaced perennials, though it can be done.
Forage
Annuals forage species such as tall fescue and orchard grass can be modeled through a workaround that substitutes per tree target yields with per acre target yields. Because we are reconceptualizing per tree numbers as per acre numbers with annauls, we will want to ensure the # of trees within a section of annuals is equal to the acreage of the section, in this way enabling the outputs of per-tree yield calculations to represent per-acre yields. Although this may sound complicated, a detailed walkthrough of the workaround can be found here.
Livestock
Livestock can be modeled by substituting trees for head of cattle, adjusting between and in-row spacing such that the number of trees in a field or paddock reflects your desired stocking rate.
Of course, accurately modeling nuances such as shade effects — % reductions in forage growth and % increase in weight gain due to canopy closure — are difficult to templatize, given the dependence of these factors on geography, tree spacing, pruning, and species selection. That said, Overyield is working to adapt our software for the complexities of silvopasture, and will be hosting several working groups with silvopasture producers towards this end. Stay tuned!