By Felix Ochieng Akech

Siaya dairy farmer Evans Okoth has raised his milk production from 45 litres a day to 70 litres after introducing soil testing, improved Barenbrug pasture grasses, and planned sowing and harvesting on his farm in Ugunja. He said the training he received on pasture management has enabled him to keep feed available even during dry spells and to reduce his spending on commercial feed.

“Before we started using the Barenbrug pastures, we mostly relied on natural grasses and Napier,” Evans said. “The problem came during the dry season: the feed would disappear, cows would lose weight, milk would drop, and we’d end up buying hay at high prices.”

He said the situation changed after Seed Co and Barenbrug launched a county training programme on improved pasture management. “They came to our dairy group and showed us how improved grasses could be harvested multiple times a year if managed well,” he said. “I planted a demo plot, and it performed better than any grass I’ve ever used.”

Evans chose Barenbrug MasterGraze and GreenPlanet ryegrass. “MasterGraze grows fast and produces soft, leafy fodder that cows really love,” he said. “It has deep roots that stay green even when rains delay. That’s what makes it reliable.”

Milk production increased soon after planting. “My milk check from the cooperative has gone up by almost 40%,” Evans said. “And I spend less on commercial feed I only buy a bit of dairy meal now.”

He said the new grasses have also changed his soil condition. “The roots hold the soil firmly, so there’s no erosion even on slopes,” he said. “After the first year, the soil got darker and softer, and weeds reduced because the pasture grows densely. The land feels alive again.”

Evans follows rotational grazing and cuts the pasture before flowering to make silage. “That way, my cows always have good feed fresh or stored no matter the season.”

His demonstration plot has attracted interest from other farmers. “I’ve hosted over 20 farmers who came to see my demo plot,” he said. “When they see how green it is even during dry spells, they get curious. Five farmers around me have already started planting their own.”

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He said soil testing was one of the most important lessons. “They really emphasized it. I never used to test my soil, but after I applied lime and followed the right seed rates, the germination was almost 100%. That’s when I understood the science behind farming.”

Evans now plans to expand his pasture and begin selling fodder. “The demand for quality fodder is growing,” he said. “Apart from milk, this can become another income source. I want to show that dairy farming can be profitable if we do it right.”

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