DLF Partner Farms
At DLF, we are driven by results. Beyond our extensive trial fields, we are committed to achieving on-farm accuracy through real-world testing. The DLF Partner Farm Programme is designed to bridge the gap between research and practical application, working closely with trusted farmers across the UK to assess the performance of new and existing products in real farming environments.
Our network consists of over 15 carefully selected partner farms, spanning diverse landscapes, soil types, and climate conditions. These farms, which are influential and well-established within the agricultural sector, represent a range of dairy and meat production systems, including two organic-only farms. This diversity allows us to evaluate how different seed innovations perform under varying management styles, environmental pressures, and geographical challenges.
Becoming a partner farm
We are currently not taking on any new partner farms, however if you'd like to put your show interest for if an opportunity does arise, please contact Alex Pearson, Agricultural Project Manager.
On-Farm Research and Results
By collaborating directly with farmers, we gain valuable insights into how our forage and grass seed products perform in real-world scenarios. Each partner farm plays a crucial role in trialling new seed varieties and agronomic practices, providing detailed feedback on yield, resilience, palatability, and overall nutritional value. This hands-on approach enables us to refine our offerings based on actual on-farm results rather than just controlled trial conditions.
Farmers benefit from early access to cutting-edge innovations, allowing them to trial new seed varieties before they reach the wider market. They receive tailored support from our agronomy experts, who monitor and analyze results throughout the growing season. These collaborative efforts contribute to the development of superior seed solutions that enhance sustainability, productivity, and profitability.
Trialling Seed Innovations Across the UK
The UK’s diverse climate and soil conditions create a unique challenge for seed performance. By running trials across multiple partner farms, we ensure that our varieties are tested in a wide range of environments—from the wetter western regions to the drier, more arable eastern counties. Whether it’s high-rainfall conditions in Scotland, the fertile lowlands of England, or the rugged landscapes of Wales, our trials help determine which varieties thrive in specific conditions. Key trial areas include:
- Persistence and resilience – Testing how well different grass and forage mixtures withstand varied weather conditions, including extreme heat, prolonged wet periods, and frost.
- Nutritional benefits – Measuring protein content, digestibility, and energy yield to ensure optimal animal performance.
- Grazing vs. cutting performance – Assessing how well different varieties suit rotational grazing, silage production, or mixed-use systems.
- Regenerative and organic farming – Trialling species that support soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices, especially on our organic partner farms.
A Commitment to Progress
By integrating cutting-edge research with on-farm trials, the DLF Partner Farm Programme is helping shape the future of grass and forage production in the UK. The programme ensures that our innovations are not just scientifically advanced but also practically viable, providing farmers with reliable, high-performance solutions tailored to their needs.
This collaborative approach reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement—driving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in UK agriculture.
