Thank you for your question. It is highly appropriate as today (April 22,2026) is Earth Day!

My understanding of agroforestry is where trees/shrubs, certain crops, and perhaps even livestock reside on the same land so that they might benefit each other. In a sense, it’s the combining of different ecosystems into a larger one where mutual benefit occurs for all the inhabitants.

With respect to “syntropic farming”, I am aware of the pioneering work of Ernst Götsch, and have read some of his articles. My understanding of this term is that it attempts to integrate into agroforestry ideas of biodiversity and ecological succession. For this reason, I understand your use of “pioneering” and “successive” species. See:

https://lancasterfarmlandtrust.org/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-syntropic-farming/

With respect to starting on this adventure, the climatic conditions of Meeker County must be considered. Severe winter lows and strong seasonality are going to be limiting factors. The following should assist you in determining starting plans:

https://www.propagateag.com/blog/cold-climate-syntropic-agroforestry?utm_source=chatgpt.com

At this site, the webinars are unfortunately no longer available: https://www.fs.usda.gov/nac/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jgg146eev0&t=4s

https://apopo.org/herotrees/the-5-pillars-of-syntropic-agroforestry/

https://attra.ncat.org/how-syntropic-agriculture-restores-soil-and-farms/

Considering that you live in growing zone 4, pioneer species should be fast-growing, hardy, possessive of deep roots, supportive of natural pollinators, and capable of improving the soil. In my researching for your question, I discovered the following are often suggested candidates as pioneering species (do a web search for each species): hybrid willow, hybrid poplar, alder, Siberian pea shrub, false indigo bush, comfrey, Jerusalem artichoke, switchgrass, red clover, and white clover.

Succession species (again do a web search for each species) might be: hybrid chestnut, hazelnut, apple, pear, plum, black walnut, honey locust, Aronia, currant, gooseberry, elderberry, and service berry.

Time and space limitations preclude me from going into any greater detail in answering your question. You need to do some extensive reading and consultation. Contact the following two agencies to determine what local resources might be available:

https://extension.umn.edu/local/meeker

https://www.co.meeker.mn.us/273/Soil-Water-Conservation

Read the following:

https://us.amazon.com/Syntropic-Agriculture-According-Ernst-Götsch/dp/B0DJ5L6CQ8

https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/restoration-agriculture?srsltid=AfmBOoqsNjryAS2gD7XfOjSu7KkLzHscZkC0LQjCkT_BJze3m2nCdi-h

https://permies.com/wiki/20162/Edible-Forest-Gardens-Volume-Dave - :~:text=This comprehensive two-volume book,, 2013 15:49:32

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=farming+the+woods&adgrpid=<personal data hidden>9&hvadid=<personal data hidden>2&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9210574&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=<personal data hidden>404301047--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=<personal data hidden>404301047&hvtargid=kwd<personal data hidden>34&hydadcr=3176_13534135_12023&mcid=1fdfa94ba425363c8ef055f7c21059bb&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_6zmru8ra0t_e

Good luck. We stand ready to assist you further if additional questions arise. Thanks for consulting us.