Plantain - a unique plant being trialed by dairy farmers
Dairy farmers Athol New in Canterbury and Thomas Read in Tararua are among over 100 New Zealand farmers participating in trials of plantain in their pastures. Plantain, a leafy herb favored by cows, has shown potential in reducing nitrogen loss from farms, leading to improved water quality in waterways. Research conducted by Massey University as part of the DairyNZ-led Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Plantain Potency and Practice Programme has revealed that Ecotain plantain can decrease nitrogen loss by 20 to 60 percent in dairy farms. Similar trends have been observed in the programme's farm trial at Lincoln University in Canterbury.
DairyNZ Chief Executive Dr. Tim Mackle expresses optimism about the findings, emphasizing the goal of widespread adoption of plantain as a regular component of cows' diets on dairy farms throughout New Zealand. The initiative, backed by a $22 million investment, involves collaboration between industry, government, and farmers to study the effects of plantain and support its successful integration into farming practices. Funding partners include DairyNZ, the Ministry for Primary Industries' Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, PGG Wrightson Seeds, and Fonterra, alongside seven other research and delivery partners.
With more than 20 partner farmers across various regions, such as Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tararua, Manawatu, Canterbury, and Southland, the programme aims to develop tailored advice for farmers, considering local soil and climate conditions. For example, in the DairyNZ-led Tararua Plantain Project, which has been ongoing for five years, 88 dairy farmers are currently participating in plantain trials.
Both Athol New and Thomas Read have witnessed positive results on their farms. New, from Mayfield, Canterbury, has incorporated Ecotain plantain into all his pastures, achieving an average of 11 percent plantain alongside ryegrass and clover. He has observed a 7 percent reduction in nitrogen loss and aims to further decrease it as he introduces more plantain. New has also implemented additional environmental actions, including native tree and plant plantings, reduced stocking rates, and minimized fertilizer use.
In Tararua, Read has also seen promising outcomes with a 10 percent decrease in nitrogen loss on his Manawatu farm since adopting plantain. He plans to gradually increase the proportion of Ecotain plantain in his pasture to achieve even better results. Read and his wife have taken steps to protect wetlands on their farm by fencing them off and planting 12,000 trees, contributing to improved water quality and biodiversity.
The programme focuses on developing management strategies and demonstrating successful integration of plantain into farm systems. It also investigates methods to establish and maintain high proportions of plantain across different climates. Ongoing trials at Massey University and Lincoln University are collecting data on nitrogen leaching and assessing the effectiveness of plantain in reducing it.
Ecotain plantain from Agricom is preferred for its proven effectiveness, and an evaluation system is being developed to assess the environmental benefits of various plantain cultivars offered by different providers. The programme collaborates with research and delivery partners, including Lincoln Agritech, AgResearch, Agricom, Plant & Food Research, and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. In the Tararua project, which is supported by DairyNZ, Agricom, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Fonterra, and Nestlé, farmers have been supported for five years to trial and measure the benefits of plantain, resulting in improved water quality and a better understanding of environmental priorities.
Link to the source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sponsored-stories/dairy-farmings-game-changer/UBSU5EVR4BCYJMYIHR3EVVFRUI/
