Agroforestry Regional Knowledge Exchange Network (ARKx)
Demonstration Site Profile
Demonstration Site Name
Emilie Tweardy
Demonstration Site Area
Palmyra, VA
Demonstration Site Contact Information
Emilie Tweardy
5035777618
Agroforestry Practices Demonstrated
SIlvopasture
shirefolkfarm
General Information
Size of each agroforestry practice
9 acres silvopasture
Geographic context
Rural
Open to contact regarding Agroforestry?
Yes
Land Tenure
Own
Agroforestry Profile
What species & products are being grown or produced in the agroforestry demo?
hybrid willow, willow oak, honeylocust, american persimmon, mulberry, chinese chestnut, hybrid chestnut, black walnut
What is the scale of production?
not sure how to answer that
Do you use other non-agroforestry conservation practices?
Keyline plowing, designing with respect to landscape, coppice management for livestock
Total Site Size (acres)
64
Years in operation
8
Did you work with a Technical Service Provider or consultant for your design?
NRCS
Year agroforestry systems established
2020
Visitors?
By appointment only
Demonstration Site Address
10099 West River Rd. Palmyra, VA 22963
Did you receive any technical assistance for implementing your agroforestry demonstration?
NRCS
Have you used grants or other financial assistance (cost share, etc.) to fund agroforestry?
NRCS
Are you doing any marketing?
we did at first but we've built a brand now and don't do much other than social media posts very occasionally
Who are you selling to? How are you selling? (CSA, farmers markets, distributors, etc.)
Direct Retail, Online markets, wholesale
Does your farm offer educational programs? If Yes, what type(s)?
tours to those who ask, partnering with Shenandoah Permaculture Institute and Hand Hewn Farm for workshops.
How did you get involved in agroforestry?
Personal interest, Permaculture
What are your future plans?
I work in Agroforestry at ASD and I'd like to trial more practices for demonstration
Can you describe any of the barriers or obstacles that you've overcome in establishing and maintaining your agroforestry demonstration site? (ex. land access, financial challenges, labor, operation costs, etc. )
An attitude at a federal level that diversification is silly/extravagant/unnecessary
Anything additional you want to share (i.e. economics, environmental, social impacts, etc.)