Collaborating for better solutions
The challenges ahead in turf and forage management requires knowledge, innovation and collaboration.
At DLF, we believe that progress happens through collaboration. By participating in external research and development projects, we work alongside farmers, turf managers, researchers and industry partners to explore new approaches and turn knowledge into practical solutions. From improving yield and forage quality to reducing inputs and making turf more resilient, these collaborations help generate insights that can create value for farmers and turf managers, and contribute to the future development of the industry.
ClimateReach
ClimateReach is developing smarter grassland systems that both capture more carbon and reduce methane emissions from livestock. By testing innovative forage crops and feed solutions, the project aims to help farmers lower their climate footprint while maintaining productive dairy and livestock farming, supporting a more sustainable future for agriculture.
EverGreen
FRDK and DLF has initiated a trial of a special microclover, Pipolina, intended to provide permanent ground cover in the field. The aim is for the microclover to suppress weeds, contribute nutrients, and improve soil health.
The trial is part of FRDK’s project Towards Reduced Chemical Use, which tests a range of initiatives and tools aimed at minimizing the use of fertilizers and chemical inputs.
FiberMilk
The purpose of FiberMilk is to develop valid laboratory analyses that, via genomic selection, make the breeding of cultivars with optimal fibre properties - and thus the lowest environmental and climate footprint - more efficient. This is achieved by 1) identifying cultivars with high fibre digestibility, 2) linking knowledge of the fibre properties of these cultivars to responses in in vivo digestibility, milk production and methane emission, and 3) using this knowledge to breed new cultivars and seed mixtures.
GrassRotate
Grassland mixtures with a balanced proportion of grasses, legumes and herbs can make a significant contribution to more sustainable crop production compared with traditional grass-clover mixtures. Benefits may include increased soil carbon storage, higher and more stable yields, and reduced weed pressure.
GrassRotate will use an existing long-term organic cattle crop rotation trial to identify optimal cultivation practices. The focus will be on increasing yield and forage quality, as well as determining the residual effects of grass-clover mixtures and grassland mixtures containing herbs.