Livestock Benefits
At Eco Crops Ltd, we’ve seen firsthand how introducing perennial wood crops into a grazing system can bring not only numerous environmental benefits, but also support the dietary needs of livestock, particularly sheep.
Perennial wood crops like willow and poplar can provide livestock with natural shelter and shade. When planted across grazing areas, these crops create shelter from intense sun, wind, and rain, helping to reduce stress and promote overall wellbeing. During hot summer days, animals can seek shade beneath the trees, while the windbreak effect from these crops offers protection during colder months. This natural shelter from harsh weather is invaluable in creating a comfortable environment for maintaining livestock health and comfort.
Willow and poplar perennial crops act as natural wildlife corridors, attracting beneficial species that enhance the surrounding ecosystem. These corridors create a habitat that supports a diverse range of wildlife, enriching the farm’s biodiversity while indirectly benefiting livestock through natural pest control and soil enrichment. By fostering a healthier and more sustainable grazing environment, these crops reduce the need for chemical inputs and improve overall grazing conditions for livestock.
Willow is a perennial wood crop that offers multiple advantages when integrated into farm landscapes. Studies indicate that willow leaves offer a viable option as a supplementary feed, serving as a natural fodder source to supplement livestock diets, particularly during times when traditional fodder may be in short supply.
Willow leaves can match the nutritional value of grazed grass in terms of energy and protein, as well as containing essential micronutrients. Not only this, but farmers report that the leaves are highly palatability for livestock too.
By providing a reliable, nutrient-rich feed option, willow crops can support livestock’s nutritional needs when regular fodder is low.
There are 22 essential minerals that are essential for ruminant nutrition. Among these, cobalt and zinc imbalances are most likely to cause issues in grazing livestock. This is a common challenge faced by many farmers across the UK, particularly during dry summers when pasture nutrient content declines. During these periods of low rainfall, the uptake of cobalt in grasslands is reduced, leading to nutritional deficiencies that can negatively affect vitamin B12 production and significantly impact growth rates of weaned lambs.
Willow leaves contain naturally high concentrations of both cobalt and zinc. These crops have been identified as a potentially valuable supplement to address these deficiencies without relying on additional interventions like boluses.
In fact, research shows that adding even small amounts of willow leaves to grazing systems can correct these zinc and cobalt deficiencies and support healthier, more productive livestock, especially in growing lambs.
Importantly, allowing livestock to browse amongst the willow does not affect the crop’s growth or yield, as the leaves naturally regrow, ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply year after year.
Feeding willow to livestock can help control intestinal worms naturally while supporting overall health. Studies suggest that tannins found in willow leaves may reduce the reliance on anthelmintics, which are commonly used to manage gastrointestinal parasites in grazing sheep.
This natural approach benefits both the animals and the grassland ecosystem, as synthetic wormers are known to negatively impact grassland invertebrates. By incorporating willow perennial crops into their existing farm mix, farmers can improve livestock health while maintaining a balanced and thriving pasture for years to come.
The woodchip produced from harvested perennial wood crops provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional straw substrates for animal bedding. These eco-friendly chips can supplement or entirely replace straw or other materials, offering livestock a comfortable and sustainable bedding option. Farmers can choose to harvest their crops to produce eco animal bedding chip for their own use, or sell the woodchip to meet other end market requirements.
Seamless Integration with Silvopastoral Agroforestry
Integrating willow and poplar perennial crops into pastureland can bring transformative benefits to farms practising agroforestry, particularly through silvopastoral systems. These systems blend in-field trees, hedgerows, or shelterbelts with grazing livestock to provide livestock with shade, shelter, and supplemental tree browse or fodder while improving overall farm productivity.
This sustainable approach enhances pasture quality, allowing landowners to maximise their resources while enhancing food production and environmental health. Willow and poplar integrate seamlessly into existing farm systems, meaning farmers can continue their livestock operations without compromise. Instead, these perennial wood crops complement grazing systems, fostering both animal wellbeing and ecological balance.
Livestock gain access to shaded areas during harsh weather conditions and benefit from natural, nutritional grazing solutions, while the crops contribute to improved soil health, biodiversity, and carbon storage. Farmers can confidently adopt silvopastoral agroforestry knowing it supports food production, enhances resilience, and creates opportunities to diversify income streams.
At Eco Crops Ltd, we’re proud to support farmers in creating resilient, sustainable agricultural systems. By integrating perennial wood crops into your grazing land, you’re enhancing your farm’s productivity and sustainability without sacrificing your core operations.
Diversify Your Farm and Revenue Streams
Perennial wood crops are a practical and profitable addition to your farm mix. They can be incorporated into traditional systems, helping you improve livestock welfare and food production while creating new revenue opportunities from your land.
Get in touch with Eco Crops Ltd today to find out how planting perennial wood crops can support for your farm.
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Agroforestry
Poplar is the obvious choice for agroforestry use alongside livestock to generate an income, energy & biodiversity net gain.
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