Still Wagon Farm in Ruffs Dale, Westmoreland County, is a compact operation.
Through WPC’s Farmland Access Initiative, Dylan Heagy and his wife, Chesley, lease the 26-acre farm to produce honey, pork, eggs and vegetables grown without pesticide or herbicides for distribution in the Pittsburgh region.
The farm’s focus, however, is increasingly on agroforestry, specifically silvopasture farming: the integration of trees with grazing animals to create a managed woodland pasture. Dylan says the hundreds of trees they planted in 2023—and the 1,000 trees and shrubs they plan to plant in 2024—serve multiple functions, including supporting a herd of cattle they are developing for future beef production.
“Our silvopasture system integrates animal grazing with tree cultivation, which enhances land use and animal welfare,” he says. Cultivating berries, apples, nuts and other perennials will provide sustainable food sources for humans. And, he notes, “The diversity of plant life contributes to soil health, water conservation and wildlife habitat, aligning with our goals of environmental stewardship.”
Dylan’s knowledge of and passion for agroforestry led to a staff position with Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, where he will help coordinate and develop agroforestry efforts for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S., with a focus on developing a training program.
