Grass and grazing for sustainable dairy farming

Grass is essential for cows: full of energy, protein and structure. In closing the cycles, we as-sume that dairy farmers can import fewer nutrients from outside the farm or region. For that reason, grass has an increasingly important role in the natural cycle. In our grazing survey, fresh (herb-rich) grass is the basis for the feed of the future.

Dutch dairy farming is not all the same. There are many different types of farms and regional differences to consider, such as differences in soil type and drainage. This huge diversity is reflected in our research. Working with many different businesses in the field, we build knowledge that we share with stakeholders.

On soils where a variety of crops can grow, grassland can play an important role in crop rotation. We are working on this with arable experts. On land that is only suitable for grass cultivation, grazing plays a crucial role in making good use of that grass so that it contributes to the soil-crop-animal-manure cycle.

Grassland is the basis of dairy farming. Its management directly affects the quality of the diet and thus emissions from dairy farming. This is not yet sufficiently used as a steering mechanism. Our researchers are looking at how we can improve that and how we can help reduce ammonia and methane emissions through grass and grazing.