That network is now available on CSTAF’s Website, http://cstaf.ifas.ufl.edu/casestudies.htm. The demonstration sites exemplify aspects of agroforestry. Landowners and extension agents can visit the Website to see how people and organizations in Florida have applied principles of agroforestry to their property management.

Five sites are listed and others will be added as they become available.

The Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch

At the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch in Suwannee County, silvopasture is practiced. Farming, forestry, mechanics, and other skills are taught on the ranch, which has assisted troubled youths since the 1950s. The agroforestry component consists of 300 acres in silvopasture plots. Longleaf pines and slash pines are spaced in two rows with Bahia grass planted underneath. The silvopasture operation provides winter forage, and it also has environmental benefits to wildlife and water quality. Environmental education and recreation are useful benefits of the plots.

Soil quality and tree growth have been enhanced through the use of silvopasture, and cattle do well on the forage produced.

Conservation is Practiced on the Clark Family Property

Fred Clark wants the family property in Alachua County to remain economically viable while serving as conservation and wildlife enhancement. The answer – silvopasture. 

Clark manages cattle and hay in innovative ways and harvests pine straw from young slash and longleaf pines while he waits for the trees to mature.

Clark obtained funding from the Conservation Reserve Program to help pay for the cost of establishing longleaf and slash pines. The sale of pine straw, cattle and timber generates income to support the operation.

Agroforestry in an Urban Area

At the Lee Ranch in Osceola County, Harris Hill oversees an agroforestry operation of 60 acres of slash pine. 

The agroforestry property is surrounded by about 1,200 acres, some of it in orange groves. Beyond that is urban development. 

Hill hopes that the agroforestry operation eventually will provide adequate income from timber production and cattle leases to make the operation viable enough to sustain it in the midst of urban development. 

Additional income comes from hunting leases and agrotourism.

Forest Farming in Orange County

Jerry Conrad has found that forest farming enhances the production of some high-value medicinal, edible and decorative crops on his property in Orange County. 

Forest farming – the cultivation of plants under a forest canopy – reduces production cost by providing shade, moisture retention and protection while it generates income through the production of timber, nuts or fruits. 

Under this tree canopy, ferns, camellias and special mushrooms can provide high returns. 

Conrad’s camellia nursery flourishes under this tree canopy that also provides wildlife habitat, aesthetic appeal and recreation.

Lafeyette-Dixie High School

Lafeyette-Dixie High School received 40 acres of land in 1986 to be held and maintained by the Future Farmers of America Chapter of Lafeyette County High School. This year, the school is considering plans to use part of the property as an agroforestry demonstration site. The high school plans to restore pine and other economically viable crops. The property will be used as an educational site for agricultural and environmental sciences and as wildlife habitat, nature observation and recreation.

An agroforestry demonstration site will be supported by the University of Florida, the Florida Division of Forestry, agricultural and forestry businesses, and the school system. Specialty crops, silvopasture and forest management will be exemplified.