Brett Chedzoy is a Cornell Extension Forester and co-operator of Angus Glen Farms in upstate New York, where he and his wife Maria graze over 100 cow-calf pairs across 600 acres with much of it wooded. He's also been ranching in central Argentina since the mid-1990s, where he first discovered his love for cattle after heading there as a Peace Corps volunteer fresh out of graduate school.

In this episode, Brett breaks down silvopasture and how to evaluate existing woodland and open it up for productive grazing. He explains why thinning your woods isn't just about letting in light, it's about protecting the long-term value of your timber while growing more forage.

Topics covered:

• Brett's background: Kansas wheat farming roots, a Welsh sheep-herding grandfather, Peace Corps in Argentina, and what the gauchos taught him about the difference between working hard and working smart
• What silvopasture looks like in the forested Northeast vs. the savanna-style systems common in other regions
• Why cool-season forages like orchardgrass can actually thrive in light shade and how silvopasture extends your grazing season on both ends
• The 10-question site evaluation tool Brett developed to assess whether a piece of woodland is a good silvopasture candidate
• How to find the right logging crew for silvopasture thinning (hint: it's a very different operation than high-value timber harvest)
• The forester vs. farmer timescale problem and how to find the middle ground
• Who to call first: land grant extension, state forestry agencies, and your local soil and water conservation district
• Why Brett recommends starting small and getting your first experience before tackling a 50-acre project

Resources mentioned:

• Cornell Silvopasture resources — search "Cornell silvopasture" or visit forestconnect.info
• Brett's 10-question silvopasture site evaluation tool
• National Agroforestry Center
• University of Missouri silvopasture resources

Looking for grass-based breeders?
Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Upcoming Grazing Events

• Noble Profitability Essentials - Jefferson City, Mo, March 24-25, 2026

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

What if your land could pay you… without selling livestock? Molly Faught and Hunter Jones from Grassroots Carbon joins today to explain what carbon credits are, how to qualify for them, and how to get started making extra money.

If you own your land and plan to be there awhile, this is a must-listen episode. If you know someone wanting to earn more money from their land, share this episode with them.

Question of the Week: If this is available to you, would you do it? Why or why not?

Find out more at https://grassrootscarbon.com

Looking for grass-based breeders?
Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Upcoming Grazing Events

• Noble Profitability Essentials - Jefferson City, Mo, March 24-25, 2026

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

How grazing works for very small acreage, all because of wanting more learning opportunities. Erich and Allison Henschel of Henschel Hof graze pigs, goats, and cattle in Virginia.

In this episode:

• Why small livestock is better for small arceage
• Why starting with smaller breeds lets you learn faster
• Why everything doesn't have to be perfect

This week's question: What did you start with for your grazing journey? Why? Join the conversation in the Grazing Grass Community | https://www.facebook.com/groups/grazinggrass

Henschel Hof on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/henschelhof/
Grazing Grass Insiders | https://grazinggrass.com/insiders

Looking for grass-based breeders?
Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Upcoming Grazing Events

• Noble Profitability Essentials - Jefferson City, Mo, March 24-25, 2026

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey