One System. Very Different Results

We are back to our normal posting. Thanks to everyone who went and checked out Lettuce Grow.

That being said, if you would like one more chance to take a look at it, it is the best way to support all the time I put into this newsletter. Here is the link: Lettuce Grow Tower

Without further to do, let’s jump right back into our silvopasture series.

Are You Doing Silvopasture

If you are already running animals through wooded pasture, or even testing it on a small scale, I would love to see it. Reply back to this email with a few pictures of your pastures and something you learned through it. I will feature some of your setups in upcoming newsletters.

Today we are answering a question I get all the time. Which animals actually work best in silvopasture?

The short answer is this. Silvopasture works for a lot of animals, but they all interact with the land very differently. Some improve the system quickly. Others can wreck it just as fast if you are not paying attention.

Let’s break them down.

Cattle

Cattle are one of the best fits for silvopasture, especially in hot climates.

They benefit from shade more than most people realize. Shade reduces heat stress, which means cattle graze longer, move more, and gain weight more efficiently. In wooded pasture, they also spread manure more evenly instead of piling it up in one spot.

The key with cattle is movement. Short grazing periods and long rest times protect tree roots and prevent soil compaction.

If you are thinking about silvopasture long term, cattle are usually the backbone of the system.

Goats

Goats shine in silvopasture, but they require discipline from the owner.

They are incredible at clearing brush, invasive plants, and low hanging limbs. This makes them perfect for opening up overgrown woods. The downside is that goats do not stop themselves. If left too long, they will strip bark, kill young trees, and undo months of progress.

Goats work best in tight rotations with very short stays. Think hours or a day, not weeks.

Sheep

Sheep can work well in silvopasture, but they are more sensitive than goats.

They prefer grasses over browse and are more prone to parasite issues in shaded, humid environments. Good airflow, dry ground, and strong rotation schedules are critical.

If you manage parasites well and keep them moving, sheep can fit nicely into a silvopasture system. If not, they struggle quickly.

Pigs

Pigs are powerful and should be used carefully.

In silvopasture, pigs can clear forest floors, turn over soil, and expose seed banks. They are great for resetting areas that are overgrown or compacted. The problem is that pigs do not know when to stop.

They should be used in controlled sections for short periods. If left too long, they will destroy roots and create erosion problems.

Pigs are a tool, not a constant presence.

Chickens and Poultry

Poultry works best as a follow up animal in silvopasture.

They scratch through manure, eat insects, and help spread nutrients. Chickens do not manage trees or forage on their own, but they complement larger animals well.

They also benefit from the shade and cover that silvopasture provides when managed correctly.

Which Animals Are Best for Beginners

If you are just starting with silvopasture, cattle or poultry are usually the easiest to manage.

Goats and pigs are powerful but require tighter control and more experience. Sheep can work but demand strong parasite management.

There is no perfect animal. The right choice depends on your land, your climate, and how much time you can dedicate to moving animals.

Fun Fact

Animals grazing in shaded systems often show lower stress levels, better feed efficiency, and more consistent weight gain compared to open pasture systems.

Closing Thoughts

Silvopasture is not about choosing the right animal first. It is about understanding how each animal affects the land. When you match the right animal with the right timing and movement, wooded acres turn into some of the most productive land you own.

Why I Write This Newsletter

I started Start My Homestead to share the real side of homesteading. The wins, the mistakes, and the lessons learned along the way. I am 20 years old, and my goal is to inspire people my age and beyond to reconnect with the land, build real skills, and create a life that feels grounded and intentional. My hope is that this newsletter becomes a place where we all learn from each other and grow together.

Got a topic you want to be covered, or an idea to make the newsletter better? Reply back to this email. I would love to hear from you all.

– Tim Parker
Start My Homestead