Have you ever thought about the purpose of trees on farm? This week the Forest Education Foundation explored the benefits of trees on farms and Agroforestry at the NAAE 2018 conference #NAAE2018.
The Forest Education Foundation had the opportunity to implement workshops and field tours in collaboration with ForestLearning at the NAAE 2018 conference. Connecting with Agriculture teachers from across Australia to explore ways to engage students with forests, fibre and trees on farms, as an example of sustainable resource management.
Trees grown on farmland provide a range of benefits beyond a commercial timber product. Trees on farms are an example of farm diversification that improves the farming environment. They have been found to increase crop and pasture growth; reducing wind speed and evaporation, improve soil quality and combat erosion. Trees on farms also contribute to the aesthetic value of the farm and, in some cases, improve biodiversity, for example, providing habitat for native wildlife, not to mention the carbon offsets provided.
With a field visit to Formosa Farm, teachers had the chance to see research in action. Formosa Farm is one of four properties in the Midlands that have established experimental pasture systems to explore the benefits of shelterbelts on farms. John Heard, the Property Manager, and Martin Maroni, from Private Forests Tasmania, demonstrated the results of the innovative project and the value of Agroforestry on a farm enterprise.
Explore trees on farm with the Forest Education Foundation, making direct links to Agricultural Enterprise, Agricultural Systems, and Design and Technology curriculum. The FEF will design an experience to suit your learning goals and student needs. Access a sample program here.