Innovation in pasture based dairying Tom Malleson

Our system 400 cows, grazing 10 months of the year Jersey/Friesian cross cows 5000 litres per cow, high butterfat and protein Comparatively low input use Strong emphasis on management of grassland and grazing Low risk, low input, sustainable profits Viable way into farming for 1 st generation

The next step Further reduction/elimination of inputs, without loss of productivity – Fertiliser – Purchased feed – Medicines – Minerals Potential role of multi-species herbal pastures

Herbal pasture Ryegrass Cocksfoot Timothy Fescues Red clover White clover Alsike clover Birdsfoot trefoil Sainfoin Sweet clover Chicory Ribgrass Burnet Yarrow Sheeps parsley Species selected are matched to soil type

Benefits - production Soil improvement – aeration, drainage, drought resistance, organic matter No fertilisers required Animal health, for example: – Higher mineral content (deeper root system) – Anti – parasitic – Disease resistance – Prevention of metabolic diseases

Benefits - environment Attract bees Greater species diversity Healthy soil No fertiliser No land taken out of production

To conclude Meaningful research unlikely as no benefits for vested interests Much will fall to farmers to innovate For more information visit “Fertility Pastures” by Newman Turner