WP1: On-farm research investigating the role of novel forage legumes to deliver productive, resilient grasslands in ruminant systems [Aberystwyth University/IBERS].

On-farm participatory research: (Aberystwyth University in collaboration with Dovecote Park, Müller Milk and Ingredients, Pilgrim’s Pride, and LEAF). In this work package, we are collaborating with farmers from across the partners’ supply chains and networks. Here, we will evaluate the tolerance and persistence of these legumes on commercial farms across all ruminant livestock sectors (beef, sheep and dairy).

The on-farm work and farmer engagement will connect to all other WPs, which in turn will address barriers for farmers for the optimal uptake of these novel legume resources and the optimisation of their nitrogen fixation.

Questions to be addressed include: “How do these new legumes perform on farm?” and “To what extent will each legume enhance sward quality and productivity?”. These on-farm participatory sites will also provide the essential KE dissemination platforms to reach farmers more widely through key dissemination events.