The Primary Sector Growth Fund Plantain Potency and Practice programme, led by DairyNZ, is investigating how the grazing herb plantain can help farmers reduce nitrogen (N) losses to freshwater, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

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 grazing herb that grows well across New Zealand and fits easily into most pasture-based farm systems. It can be managed on a similar rotation to perennial ryegrass and works alongside other pasture species.

Plantain trial shows an average 33% reduction in nitrate leaching. Milk production was maintained during the four-year trial.

Climate Smart Research (CSR) is an international research and innovation programme designed to accelerate the transition to climate-smart agriculture.

Janet Montgomery talks about the next phase of FVI research. Find out what they aim to find, plans for the FVI tool, and the trial that’s gathering more evidence about ryegrass cultivar performance.

Southland farmers in the Edendale catchment are working to understand how a stack of practical mitigations can reduce nitrogen losses while maintaining profitable milk production.

As part of the DairyNZ-led Plantain Potency and Practice programme, trials at Lincoln and Massey universities tested how plantain affects nitrogen leaching, pasture persistence and farm productivity under different soil and climate conditions.

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.