How Lantmännen creates a completely new feed from grass

Various species of grass and legumes, known as forage crops, are currently grown on almost half of Sweden's arable land. However, as the number of cows and sheep has declined, we are now unable to utilise the quantities produced.  

– It's problematic from several perspectives. The profitability of our farmers, biodiversity, resource utilisation...,’ says Pär-Johan Lööf.

Seeking new ways to harness the potential of plants 

That is why Lantmännen is looking for new ways to harness the potential of plants. Legumes are particularly important from a crop rotation perspective and for biodiversity in the landscape. 

– In sustainable agriculture, crops must be varied in order to achieve maximum productivity and sustainability. Spring and autumn sowing needs to be mixed with perennial crops to create an environment where weeds and harmful insects cannot adapt and cause damage, says Pär-Johan Lööf. 

That is why the project involving ley crops, which is being conducted in collaboration with RISE, was launched with practical trials in the laboratory and at the test facility at Sötåsen Agricultural College in Västergötland. Knowledge and methods for producing ethanol, bio-oil and biogas from the fibres in forage crops already exist. For the past couple of years, trials have been underway to use a screw press to separate the protein in the plants from the fibres – before these are turned into fuel.  

By extracting the protein, you obtain a raw material that can be fed to pigs and chickens – animals that otherwise cannot utilise the protein in plants. 

– Their stomachs cannot break down grass and legumes in the same way as ruminants such as cows and sheep. However, they can absorb the protein if it is first extracted from the plants. 

New type of domestic feed raw material 

This extraction process could lead to a new type of domestic feed raw material – and, in the long term, even a new foodstuff for humans. 

– Today, a lot of imported protein raw materials are used, which poses sustainability challenges. We are also dependent on protein that is grown very far away and is therefore sensitive to world market prices, disruptions and unrest in the surrounding world, says Pär-Johan Lööf. 

– Instead, creating our own local production of proteins for our food-producing animals has many advantages, especially in the current global situation. It may even be possible to produce protein powder for human consumption in the future.   

RISE is a long-standing partner of Lantmännen and acts as an expert, primarily in process technology within the legume project. 

– It is fantastic to have RISE as a partner. Not only are they skilled in technology, but they are also skilled in collaboration to bring in expertise, both internally and externally. In addition, they are driven project managers who work in a focused manner that is appreciated in the industry, says Pär-Johan Lööf. 

– And they know how and where to apply for funding, both in Sweden and within the EU. 

The proportion of protein extracted centrally  

Lantmännen and RISE are now continuing their work to make the project commercially viable. There are still several issues to be resolved. These include the question of transport – how to get the feed from the production unit to the location where the animals are kept. And: 

– The most important factor for our success is the so-called yield, i.e. how much protein we manage to extract from the raw material. If the yield is too low, our business case will not hold up. This involves everything from methodology to which plant species is most suitable.