Savanna Institute: Midwest Agroforestry & Carbon Farming

The Savanna Institute represents a leading educational and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting agroforestry and integrated farming systems throughout the Midwest region of the United States. The organization's core mission centers on demonstrating how integrating trees, shrubs, crops, and livestock can create resilient, perennial farming systems that provide multiple benefits to farmers, communities, and the broader environment. Through research, education, and practical demonstration, the Savanna Institute works to transform agricultural practices in the Midwest toward more sustainable, diversified, and economically viable models.

The institute provides comprehensive educational events and workshops that teach farmers and agricultural professionals about agroforestry principles and practices. These educational offerings cover topics such as tree species selection for different soil and climate conditions, integration of perennial crops with annual production, livestock management within agroforestry systems, and economic analysis of diversified farming approaches. By offering hands-on learning opportunities, the Savanna Institute helps participants understand how to implement these systems on their own operations.

Demonstration farms operated or supported by the Savanna Institute serve as living laboratories where farmers can observe integrated livestock and crop systems in action. These demonstration sites showcase how trees, shrubs, crops, and animals can be arranged and managed to create productive, sustainable agricultural landscapes. Visitors to these farms gain practical insights into system design, management practices, and economic outcomes that inform their own farming decisions.

The Savanna Institute provides extensive resources on agroforestry and perennial agriculture, including research findings, design guides, case studies, and technical publications. These resources help farmers understand the scientific basis for integrated systems and provide practical guidance for implementation. The organization supports farmers in transitioning toward diversified farming systems that integrate livestock and crops with perennial vegetation, thereby improving soil and water quality while diversifying farm income streams. Through its comprehensive educational approach and practical demonstration work, the Savanna Institute empowers Midwest farmers to build more resilient, sustainable, and economically viable agricultural operations that benefit both their families and the broader environment.