Common name: Perennial and annual grasses. Scientific name: Lolium perenne and Lolium multiflorum.  Why we use them: Grasses are the ‘backbone’ of a pasture, the primary feed for cows. We have a medley of ‘historic’ and recently sown grasses on the farm. Typically, conventional farming sees pastures sprayed out with glyphosate, which means more of a monoculture is created. The old variety grasses that have been here since the farm was first broken in, are; Cocksfoot, Tall Fescue, Prairie, Grazing Brome, Phalaris, Yorkshire Fog, Brown Top […]

Common name: White and red clover. Scientific name: Trifolium repens and Trifolium pratense.   Why we use it: Clover was introduced from Britain in the early 1800’s and bees were brought in 1839 to help with its pollination. White clover is a perennial forage legume and grows well on fertile soils. It has remarkable nitrogen-fixing abilities and helps the cows maintain milk production in late spring and early summer. Large and medium-leafed clovers are used in dairy pastures, as they’re more productive. Red […]

Common name: Chicory. Scientific name: Cichorium intybus.  Why we use it: It performs well in Summer and Autumn, as it has a deep tap root that allows it to access water where other plants can’t. When other plants are feeling the effects of reduced levels of rain, Chicory can dig deep. It’s classified has having high protein and digestibility for foraging animals and has contains high levels of the minerals: Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium,  Zinc and Copper. Calcium is essential for optimum milk production and growth […]

Common name: Lucerne. Scientific name: Medicago sativa.   Why we use it: Lucerne is a legume that grows all year around and is a perennial, which means it lives for more than two years. Its deep, tap roots allow it to source water when other plants can’t. Great for both grazing straight from the pasture, it’s also used for making hay to store and feed over the winter months. It’s been found to increase soil nitrogen, which is a main element needed for strong […]

Common name: Plantain. Scientific name: Plantago lanceolata.   Why we use it: It’s fast establishing from seed, with a coarse root system and grows for the entire year. It’s not as drought tolerant as chicory, but responds well to moisture, whether that’s rain or effluent. The minerals copper, zinc, selenium and cobalt are present in high concentrations, which all benefit the cows in different ways. Copper has been proven to help with bone development, the immune and nervous systems, as well as pigmentation. […]