In this episode of the Acres U.S.A. Podcast, host Taylor Henry sits down with Austin Unruh, founder of Trees for Grazers and author of The Grazer’s Guide to Trees, to explore the real-world economics and management of silvopasture.

Austin shares the lessons learned from establishing thousands of trees on working livestock farms, including the tree protection methods that are delivering 90%+ survival rates. The conversation dives into shade as a profit driver, the forage benefits of well-designed silvopasture systems, and how species like honey locust, persimmon, and mulberry can provide valuable livestock feed throughout the year.

They also discuss:

• The latest updates in the second edition of The Grazer’s Guide to Trees

• Tree establishment strategies that minimize risk and maintenance

• Research on livestock performance and heat-stress reduction

• Feed-producing trees for cattle, pigs, and poultry

• Silvopasture economics and return on investment

• Lessons from projects with farms like White Oak Pastures

• Funding opportunities and practical steps for getting started

Whether you're interested in improving animal performance, extending the grazing season, or building a more resilient farm for future generations, this episode offers a practical roadmap for integrating trees into your operation.

Thank you to our Sponsors of Today’s Episode:

Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/

American Farmland Trust: https://farmland.org/

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

Members site: https://members.acresusa.com

Acres U.S.A. Homepage: https://www.acresusa.com/

Acres U.S.A. Memberships: https://eco-farming.com/

2025 Eco-Ag Recordings: https://www.conference.acresusa.com/recordings-2025

Austin’s Website: https://treesforgraziers.com/

Get his new book here: https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/the-graziers-guide-to-trees-how-to-integrate-silvopasture-for-resilience-and-profit?_pos=1&_sid=edda8ac1a&_ss=r