Brought to you by Limagrain
'Herb-rich grassland is a very nice addition'
Since 2018, the construction plan of dairy farmers Jan and Michiel Out consists entirely of grassland. "Our goal is to produce as much milk as possible from our own grass. In addition, we like to look at the possibilities of making the ration as complete as possible; this is how we came across herbaceous grassland."
"In the spring of 2018, we sowed 1 plot of 7 hectares with grass and herbs. Despite the extreme drought, the herbs have established themselves well and we were able to harvest a nice third and fourth cut. In the autumn we sown another 5 hectares. The herb-rich grass goes into the lasagna pits for a constant ration," according to the dairy farmers from Purmer (North Holland).
"We have only been feeding this for a few months, but I must already say that the cows are now even more easily pregnant. Our cell count has also become even lower: 100 to 120, with peaks to 70."
Quality over yield
"With 90 dairy cows on 70 hectares, the quality of our roughage is number 1. We therefore also pay attention to grassland management, sow further where necessary, use special liquid fertilizers and we send our sheep into the winter with a nice short and closed sod." according to Jan and Michiel Out.
"Grass is a nice crop, but monoculture is not the cure. We see advantages in using clovers and herbs, including for a more complete and healthier grass silage. This is also being stimulated by our milk buyer Cono."
keep herbs in it
"Our first experiences with the grassland herbs are therefore positive. In order to keep the herbs in the sod, we will fertilize the plots in an adapted way this season and hay once in the summer. It is not our intention to make all grass rich in herbs, but 1 % to 10% of the acreage is a very nice addition."
View the herbal mixture 'LG Grassland herbs' here.
