Choiniere Family Farm; Highgate Center, VT
- Catalyzing Agroforestry
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 26
Contact name
Mathieu Choiniere
Farm or Agroforestry Project name
Choiniere Family Farm
Agroforestry practices
Silvopasture
Agroforestry Acreage
4.5 acres in 2025, Planning on an additional 3.5-4 acres in 2026
Agroforestry Summary
Chestnut silvopasture interplanted with willow and poplar. Rows are spaced 40' apart with trees spaced 20' in row. This is our dry cow pasture for our dairy farm, and we are hoping to give the girls some much-needed relief from the sun on these hot summer days. The willow and poplar are for quick shade and fodder while we are hoping to achieve a nut yield from the chestnuts to supplement our dairy income.
Agroforestry Goals
We are hoping to reduce our feed expense by allowing the cows to graze comfortably even on hotter days and to give our cool season grasses some relief from the hot summer sun and reduce the summer slump in forage production. Another goal is to supplement
Practices and Production
Our initial planting contains 120 chestnuts interplanted with some willow and poplar. The chestnuts are to provide shade and a crop of chestnuts while the willow and poplar are there for quick shade and fodder. We may pollard them eventually for more fodder production.
Site Details and Background
The land has been owned by our family since 1945 and has been in permanent pasture since at least 2000. Prior to that it was used for corn. The site is sandy and well drained. We have amended the soil with lime over the years so that the pH is roughly 6.7, but we plan on applying sulfur in coming years to slightly acidify the soil.
Agroforestry Assets, Challenges and Support
We have received grants to plant the existing 4.5 acre Silvopasture as well as a CAGP grant for the expansion in 2026
Are you be willing to be contacted by people who are interested in agroforestry?
Yes
Are you open or available for visitors?
By appointment only - farm/business
Links to website, social media, etc., if applicable.
