Innovative pasture mixture with three functional plant groups

Reducing sheep milk production costs and improving milk quality are key goals for farmers supplying processing industries. A Mediterranean farm in Italy uses an innovative forage mixture with self-reseeding species across three functional groups: grasses (e.g. rigid fescue), legumes (e.g. broadleaf medick, subterranean trefoil, sainfoin), and deep-rooted herbs (e.g. chicory). These species are well-adapted to local soil (pH 7.1) and provide high-quality forage, reduce fertilizer needs, enhance milk yield and cheese quality, lower methane emissions, and control gastrointestinal parasites. The system supports sustainable pasture management on 140 hectares, with long-term pasture persistence and reduced input costs. Funded by the European Union.