The Plantain programme is a DairyNZ-led collaborative research and development initiative. The aim is to substantially reduce nitrogen lost to freshwater and greenhouse gas produced from pastoral sectors by using the grazing herb plantain (Ecotain®).

New research shows a lower amount of plantain in pasture can significantly cut nitrogen loss. Tune into Talking Dairy in 10 as Kate Fransen shares insights from DairyNZ’s Plantain Potency and Practice Programme.

Plantain is a herb that grows in New Zealand and is liked by animals, with a fibrous and coarse root system. This page discusses its various uses on dairy farms.

Plantain is a low-cost option for Rotorua dairy farmers to reduce nitrogen leaching and help meet environmental targets. Adding it into pastures through annual broadcasting can significantly lower nitrogen losses while maintaining profitability.

A Rotorua dairy farm demonstrates that profitability and environmental performance can go together. Since taking over in 2019/20, Richard and Amy have operated a low-input system designed to meet nitrogen limits while remaining financially strong.

Hear about early insights in DairyNZ’s heat stress trial at Scott Farm from experts Dr Charlotte Reed and Jac McGowan, plus current info and solutions for keepings cows comfortable and productive in hot conditions.

Facial eczema costs farmers $330M annually and risk is rising. Hear from experts on the latest research and practical steps to protect your herd.

The Plantain Evaluation System reviews how effective different plantain cultivars are at reducing nitrate leaching. This system helps you and regulators trust the performance of those cultivars deemed "effective" at this task.

Plantain in pastures can reduce nitrate leaching by affecting nitrogen in urine and soil retention. The page teaches you the importance of assessing the proportion of plantain in your pasture.

In this episode of Talking Dairy, we explore the Resilient Pastures programme - a new research initiative tackling pasture persistence problems. Hear how farmers, scientists and funders are working together to find lasting, practical solutions.