Description
Description of the innovation
The pasture reader is a system to measure the height and density of grass.
The system is mounted on top of the front mower. It is used when feeding fresh grass in the stable to optimise intake and maximise milk production and economic results. Because the data of the grassland is now clearly visible to the farmer, he can adjust his grassland management accordingly, for example during fertilization.
Advantages
- Insight in grass production
- Know exactly what you harvest
- Cows on the right milk production
- Data for recycling guide
- Targeted fertilisation possible
Disadvantages
- High investment
- Only applicable in situations of feeding fresh grass directly to the cows
The approach
The strategy of the farmer is based on a flatter milk production curve of his cows with a zero grazing system.
Achievements: Flatter milk production curve with zero grazing
Failures: High purchase costs
Constraints: A useful management tool
Results: Data to optimize the grassland management
Piet Jan Thibaudier
The farmer Piet Jan Thibaudier from the northern part of the Netherlands, in the province Friesland, is feeding his cows with a zero grazing system. He bought a pasture reader to be able to mow every day the right amount of fresh grass for his cows.
The farmer who farms with 100 ha of permanent grassland and 195 dairy cows has built the pasture reader on his front mower and measures exactly the amount of grass. With the use of light reflection, the density and the dry matter content of the grass are determined.
