Landholder Perceptions of Silvopastoral Systems in North Queensland Survey

Exploring perceptions and best practice adoption of silvopastoral systems as a strategy for drought

Gulf Savannah NRM and the North Queensland Regional Forestry Hub are exploring silvopasture as a strategy for building drought resilience in the Northern Gulf region through the dual benefits of business diversification and the natural synergies and co-benefits that arise in combining timber, cattle and pasture.

This survey is designed to collect required information from the key stakeholders on different aspects of silvopastural systems being established in the region.

Information will be completely confidential and individuals will not be identified in the analysis of data.

Please note this survey relates to the intentional planting of trees to establish silvopasture systems within existing cattle businesses. It does not address the management of pre-existing trees within pastures.

1.Please provide your full name (for future correspondence)

2.Your postal address (optional)

3.What is your Local Government Area or closest Suburb/Regional town?

4.What is your email address for further communication?

5.Could you share your telephone number for any follow-up discussions?

7.Gender

Male

Female

Other

8.What is your current level of education?

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree or some college

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or higher

9.What is your role in agriculture and forest industry? (Please choose the most relevant options. If you are not a Farmer/Producer or Landowner, please select "non applicable" in questions 10-13 below)

Other (please specify)

10.What type of land do you currently own/manage?

Natural vegetation (remnant native forests)

Improved pastures / developed crops (X category)

Both

Not Applicable

Other (please specify)

11.What land tenure applies?

12.What is the total land area in hectares?

14.Section B – Perceptions of silvopasture systems.

What is your current level of familiarity with silvopastoral systems?

Very familiar

Somewhat familiar

Heard of it, but not familiar with details

Not familiar at all

15.In your opinion, what do you perceive as the primary benefits of integrating trees or shrubs into grazing areas?

Enhanced animal welfare (relief from heat stress during hot weather, shelter from wind and rain)

Rehabilitation of land from degradation (e.g soil erosion, salinity and acidification)

Enhanced ecosystem services (e.g carbon sequestration and climate mitigation)

Diversified income streams (timber production and carbon credits)

All the above

Other (please specify)

16.What concerns do you have about implementing silvopastoral systems in grazing areas?

Tree damage by livestock

Competition between grass and trees

Resources and support will be available to landowners to implement and manage silvopastoral systems

Vegetation laws change all the time

Long time for timber returns

Other Concerns? (please specify)

17.What do you consider to be the main challenges or barriers to adopting silvopasture practices?

Initial establishment costs (e.g. planting trees and shrubs)

Lack of time to manage the plot

Species selection and compatibility

Regulatory constraints or land tenure issues

Limited access to technical support or resources

Loss of grazing area

Water availability?

Other (please specify)

18.How confident are you in your ability to implement and manage a silvopasture system effectively?

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Neutral

Not confident

19.How do you think silvopastoral systems might positively impact livestock's well-being and productivity? (Slider)

Increase long-term well-being and reproductive capacity of the livestock

Contribute to the resilience and sustainability of your livestock business

Improved quality of grazing pasture

Higher cattle weight production

20.What do you perceive as potential long-term economic benefits of silvopastoral systems that combine various productions (e.g. animal production and timber products) compared to traditional grazing practices limited to single animal production?

Two outputs are produced: timber and beef from one plot

Better timber growth

Better cattle performance

Higher quality pasture (more tender) in summer

Not beneficial

21.Would you see silvopastoral systems as a management option to mitigate climate change and to improve drought resilience?

Not very beneficial

Neutral

Somewhat beneficial

Very beneficial

22.Have you ever considered integrating the planting of trees or shrubs into your pastureland?

Yes

23.Are there any existing species (trees and shrubs) that grow well around your area? Any specific types of trees or shrubs you would prefer to integrate into your pastures for drought resilience?

Trees and shrubs that grow well around your area?

Which species would you currently prefer to integrate into your pastures for drought resilience?

25.What additional information or resources would you need to feel confident about implementing silvopastoral systems on your farm?

Financial resources (grants, government subsidies etc.)

Technical advisory assistance (from the government, Forestry Hubs and others)

Information on market demand and potential opportunities for selling wood products

Other (please specify)

26.Would you like to be updated about the Regional Forestry Hub’s project on silvopastoral systems?

Yes

27.Would you be interested in participating in a field visit to observe established silvopasture systems?

Yes