Cows eating NutriHerb

Healthier dairy cattle and improved soil fertility

This is more than just a trend: governments, citizens and consumers increasingly demand dairy products from sustainable farming systems. Waiting is not an option for dairy farmers. That is why Barenbrug has introduced a new forage concept: NutriHerb Balance, a certified grass and forage herb mixture that combines biodiversity with feed value.

Certified grasses and herbs

Eight years of research and testing went into developing the ideal grass and forage herb mixture. The result is NutriHerb Balance. All forage herbs included in the mixture are native species, carefully selected specifically for this blend. In addition, all grasses and herbs are certified, providing assurance of key quality characteristics such as germination capacity, freedom from weed seeds and varietal purity.

 

Rich biodiversity

NutriHerb Balance enhances the biodiversity of your grassland while maintaining excellent forage value. It contributes to healthier dairy cattle and improved soil fertility. In addition, it supports populations of bees, insects and meadow birds.

 

Excellent feed value

There is no need to worry about feed value. On the contrary. The feed value of NutriHerb Balance is comparable to that of a perennial ryegrass sward. Forage herbs such as plantain, chicory and clover even offer an exceptionally high feed value of approximately 1,200 VEM. As a result, the overall feeding value of NutriHerb Balance silage is highly competitive.

 

Highly palatable crop

Is NutriHerb Balance palatable? Absolutely. The wide variety of plant species provides cows with a diverse and appetising diet every day. The tannins, essential oils and higher mineral content of the different herbs help support fertility, udder health and the overall resilience of dairy cattle.

 

Improved drought resilience

Several of the forage herbs included in the mixture develop deep roots, reaching depths of up to 75 centimetres. This improves soil structure, enhances water infiltration and reduces drought sensitivity. The grasses within NutriHerb Balance also root deeply. One of the grass species used is soft-leaf tall fescue, which can root to depths of more than one metre.

Because some herbs combine deep rooting with nitrogen fixation, such as birdsfoot trefoil, the synergy between the herbs and grasses is maximised. Nitrogen produced by the root nodules of birdsfoot trefoil can be directly utilised by the surrounding grasses, reducing the need for additional fertiliser applications.

 

Guaranteed quality

With NutriHerb Balance, you can enjoy excellent crop performance for years to come. It is the only mixture monitored and certified by NAK, ensuring compliance with strict standards for germination and purity. The forage herbs are complemented by carefully selected high-performing grass varieties chosen to match the growth characteristics of the herbs.

 

Convenient ready-to-sow mixture

NutriHerb Balance is supplied as a ready-to-sow mixture, making establishment simple and straightforward. This ensures that the herbs and grass seed are sown in the correct proportions for optimal performance.

View the NutriHerb crop management manual

 

A dairy farmer shares his experience with NutriHerb Balance

Corné Ansems and his sister Erica run De Ruurhoeve Cheese Farm in Hoogeloon, North Brabant. They have three years of experience with the NutriHerb Balance grass and herb mixture. The diversity of plant species has proven highly successful, and for them, a grass-only sward is no longer an option. And the yield? At 12.5 tonnes per hectare, it is more than impressive.

Read Corné Ansems' full story