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Agroforestry: How trees benefit livestock farms

Wales
Farm Practices
agroforestry
grazing
Hedgerows
Diversification
Livestock
Timber
Trees
woodland

Huw Morgan is a strong advocate for integrating trees into farmland. Here, he shares the many ways trees support his livestock farm in mid-Wales.

Pwllyrhwyiaid is a 450-acre hill farm located on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), run by NFFN farmer Huw Morgan. Around 20% of the farm is covered in trees, and Huw is a passionate advocate for integrating trees into farmland and livestock grazing systems. He explains how Pwllyrhwyiaid came to have an extensive tree cover, how trees support rather than hinder his farming, and why they are such a crucial part of the land.

The basics - What is agroforestry?

Agroforestry is a farming approach that combines trees with agriculture. Both arable and livestock farmers can practice it; in arable systems, trees are often planted between crop rows, while in livestock farming it is known as silvopasture - where animals graze beneath trees. The term also covers features like hedgerows, buffer strips and forest farming.

Agroforestry brings a wide range of benefits. Trees offer shelter and shade, increase biodiversity, and provide diverse forage for grazing animals. Their deep roots help cycle nutrients and bring them up into the topsoil, enriching it for shallow-rooted plants and crops. Trees and hedgerows also play a role in storing carbon. Timber, along with fruits and nuts, can provide added income for farms.

How is agroforestry used at Pwllyrhwyiaid?

Trees have always had a place on the farm, though Huw’s grandfather was once paid to remove them. Like many post-World War II farmers, he was urged to maximise food production and yields by clearing nature from the land. 

Despite that, around 30 acres of ancient woodland remain, and expanding tree cover has long been a priority for the Morgan family. Pwllyrhwyiaid has been part of agri-environmental schemes for over 25 years.

“There was one block of about 20 acres that we turned back into woodland,” Huw recalls. “We were also part of a scheme with the National Park to help restore birch wood. And wherever we’ve had rough or wet corners, we’ve either dug a pond or scrape, or planted trees and fenced them off.”

However, for Huw, trees aren’t just for awkward corners. Instead, they are fully integrated into the livestock system. He uses rotational grazing with paddocks for his suckler cows and sheep, allowing pastures long rest periods. This helps young trees establish without being grazed, though guards are still needed to protect the saplings. Once tall enough, trees become a food source the animals can browse when they return to those paddocks.

Hedgerows are another key element.  “We’ve done a lot of work planting new hedgerows or restoring old ones,” says Huw. “My initial aim was to put a hedge around every field on the farm.” His hedges include a diverse mixture of species - hazel, blackthorn, whitethorn, dogrose, crab apple, field maple, elder and willow.

What are the benefits of agroforestry?

The trees and hedgerows on the farm feed both livestock and wildlife. Cattle and sheep browse on the hedges and trees - some with medicinal properties acting as natural painkillers - while mammals and small birds benefit from the nuts and berries. 

Especially in the fields, the trees also provide crucial shelter for the livestock, something increasingly important with climate extremes. “Tree cover is vital, whether in long hot spells or during storms,” Huw says. “Some farmers have to bring their cattle indoors during the summer because they don’t have shelter. We get fierce east winds that burn the grass off, but even when grass growth is poor, our animals can still browse the hedges and trees.”

Tree cover is vital, whether in long hot spells or during storms. We get fierce east winds that burn the grass off, but even when grass growth is poor, our animals can still browse the hedges and trees.

Huw Morgan

Agroforestry also helps reduce farming costs. “In the autumn, all the leaves fall and the nutshells blow across the fields, providing food for worms and fungi. We use very little fertiliser on our pastures now. It all supports the biology and health of our soil.”

The trees also support the farm’s bottom line. “Tree cover means we can lamb a bit earlier than some other farms,” Huw explains. “We start lambing in January. The ewes give birth inside but can go out soon after as we have enough shelter. That means we can sell lambs earlier in the year when prices are better.”

Agroforestry also drives diversification. Around 20 acres of orchard produce apples for juice. Huw also heats the house with wood from the farm, uses fallen trees for building materials, and makes sheep hurdles from conifers.

Challenges with agroforestry

Like any farming system, agroforestry comes with its practical considerations. It can require significant time and effort, particularly when it comes to tasks like planting and fencing. “Our hedges are double-fenced, so we’ve spent quite a bit on fencing,” Huw says. “We’ve made the most of environmental grants to cover materials, though they don’t include labour. I’ve been able to do the work myself, but it could be costly if you needed to bring people in.”

Tree cover means we can start lambing in January. The ewes give birth inside but can go out soon after as we have enough shelter. That means we can sell lambs earlier in the year when prices are better.

Huw Morgan

Huw also points out that while agroforestry brings many benefits, it doesn’t eliminate all inputs. “We’re very deficient in minerals here,” Huw says. “The old red sandstone means all the goodness just gets washed out. Even with the animals browsing the hedges, we still have to give them some supplements. It supports the system, but we can’t rely on it alone. I would like to move away from fertiliser and bought-in feed completely,  but that would mean slightly reducing our stock numbers.”

Future plans for agroforestry at Pwllyrhwyiaid

Huw is keen to keep diversifying. He would like to introduce walnut trees and hopes the cherry trees he planted for their beautiful blossom will bear fruit. 

He also sees potential in softwood production. “We import so much of our timber. There’s a lot of talk about moving away from plastics, and that means more paper or timber. I think 20 to 30 acres of softwoods could be a good alternative income source for the next generation.”

The value of trees on farms

Trees on farmland can spark surprisingly strong reactions - something Huw struggles to comprehend. For him, they are not only practical but also deeply rewarding.

“I really enjoy the landscape we’ve created here,” he says. “Seeing the greenery, the blossoms and the different colours in the autumn - it’s great for my mental health. I wouldn’t want to farm without trees.”

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