Integrating Sheep into Orchard Systems

Modern agriculture in the U.S. has normalized the separation of animal agriculture from growing crops, but many producers have found there’s much to be gained from integrating livestock back into cropping systems. Sierra Orchards in Winters, CA has successfully integrated sheep into their organic walnut orchards for several years and has learned many lessons along the way. In this video, join farmer Sean McNamara as he walks us through Sierra Orchards’ integrated sheep in walnuts system.
This video debuted at the 2021 California Small Farm Conference, a production of Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF). Learn more at www.caff.org
Produced by Sara Tiffany
Filmed and Edited by Anne Hamersky
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Farm Credit
Regenerative Agriculture Foundation
Straus Family Creamery
Farm Box
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Bay Cities Produce Inc
High Mowing Organic Seeds
Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op
MarketLink / NAFMNP
Center for Land-Based Learning
ManageMyMarket

[@mlindsay527]

You are right, it is not easy, but it does make perfect sense! Glad to see you working through the issues! I’m doing it a bit the other way around and establishing an orchard in a sheep pasture.

[@RichM-vc9on]

It's sad this does not have more likes and views. After watching a half dozen other similar subject videos, this was by far the best. Good information, presented well, with quality sound. Nice job! It is great to see farms learning to do things the old ways with modern twists.

[@warrenm72]

Im interested in doing this. Integrating chickens, ducks and sheep into an orchard system. The orchard bit is real new to me. Just shopping for land/property right now

[@chuckschembre]

This is incredible information. I work as a regenerative consult and work in orchards and you have provide information, and the timing and stock density conversation is often missed in these types of videos. Well done

[@jacopoorazi4201]

This video should have tons of views! Very good and detailed info, love it!

[@summerhill_homestead]

This was so informative! Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@matthewdavis1752]

Dude, thank you, this is the direction I want to go. I'm in Costa Rica if you ever want to come down let me know

[@b_uppy]

Do you alternate rows of the types of trees for maximum soil health/fertility?

[@allseezen3336]

so good. could you add more bird habitat to help control scale and mite issues? some mites dont like rosemary oil, but...

[@dcg1976]

In regard to light available to the cover crop, I'm wondering what the tree spacing is there.

[@fjvenema]

Nice

[@FLASHDashAway]

Do you know of any colder climate orchards that do this?

[@michaelripperger5674]

Where do you get your soul tested ?

[@beskow1500]

you mean soil?

[@ofmanyone]

Church 😂

[@elijahsanders3547]

Jesus created a good system, and made us stewards of it. Thanks for the video.