Trees and Cattle farmed together have greater productivity. However, studies carried out by the University of Wales at Bangor on the economics of agroforestry compared to pure agriculture or pure forestry, have found that, due to the dual output, the productivity of a parcel of ground can be increased significantly. Improved herd health and welfare lead to better weight gains. Silvopasture can be up to 6 degrees warmer than pasture. Beef animals in a cold unsheltered paddock open to wind can need 46% more food than an animal on silvopasture. Silvopasture can extend the grazing season by up to 17 weeks thus reducing costs.

Silvopasture can enrich the diet for your cattle, the quality of their living environment and the length of time they can remain outdoors.

Cattle can browse the lower branches of the trees, which provide minerals. For example, willow leaves have cobalt and zinc, hazel, another palatable native species, is high in copper.

Secondary compounds or tannins in willow have anti-parasitic properties and also have a reductive effect on methane production in the rumen. Some trees contain natural medicines for example Willow contains salicylic acid which is an anti-inflammatory with pain reliving properties and animals have been observed self-medicating by browsing it.

Trees in pasture provide shelter that reduces wind and temperature stress for cattle and they graze more and for longer, producing more milk and gaining up to 15% more weight. The shade and shelter effect is not only beneficial to the livestock, but the pasture also thrives with this protection.

Growing trees along your cattle will help improve your farm environment by absorbing CO2 from the air and storing carbon. Trees reduce flooding, increasing drought-resilience, improving animal health and weight and boosting biodiversity.