Grazing in Michiana
For generations, farmers across the Great Lakes states have relied on their seasonal pastures to grow strong, healthy livestock. Typical pasture seeding mixes such as a three variety mix of grass, some clover, and good rotation practices have long been the cornerstones of feeding a herd.
But today, more producers are turning to an older idea that's gaining new attention: planting medicinal herbs alongside the usual pasture mix. Not only do these herbs promote better animal health, but they also enrich the soil and support wildlife in ways that normal pasture seeding mixes can't and now we've got the science to back up what some old-timers always knew—certain plants just make animals feel better.
When you start talking about medicinal herbs in pasture, some folks might picture something new-age or overly complicated. But this is simpler than that. It's about planting or encouraging species we already know like chicory, birdsfoot trefoil, yarrow and plantain alongside your grasses and clovers. These herbs have been shown, in university studies and SARE grants, to help animals fend off parasites, ease digestion and get more out of what they eat.
At the same time, they help the soil breathe better, hold more water, and feed more insects and birds. That's something any farmer can appreciate.
Take chicory, for example. This deep-rooted, blue-flowered plant grows well in our Great Lakes soils and offers high levels of protein, calcium, magnesium and potassium as a forage. More importantly, it's been found to contain compounds that actually help reduce internal parasites in livestock.
Researchers at Ohio State found that lambs grazing on chicory had fewer worm eggs in their manure than those grazing on traditional grasses. Practical experience backs this up—Joe Mavin of Matchstick Farm in northern Michigan added chicory to his pastures and has noticed significantly less parasite loads in his spring lambs and that they had fewer health issues and better energy throughout the summer grazing season.
Birdsfoot trefoil is another pasture powerhouse. This legume doesn't just fix nitrogen into the soil like alfalfa or clover—it also helps prevent bloat in cattle, thanks to the tannins in its leaves. Unlike some high-protein legumes that can lead to frothy bloat, birdsfoot trefoil breaks up that foam and keeps digestion moving smoothly.
Farmers have found that cows grazing on trefoil-rich pastures not only stay healthier but also make better use of the protein they consume. The plant holds up well in wet soils, doesn't require replanting every year, and can be frost-seeded into existing pastures with good success.
Then there are the unsung heroes like yarrow and plantain. These two are often called weeds, but they've got a place in a healthy pasture. Yarrow has been used for centuries as a natural wound treatment and is known to reduce inflammation. Plantain, which grows just about everywhere, is rich in natural compounds that help with digestion and soothe the gut. Goats, sheep and even cattle will nibble on these herbs when they need them—almost like they know what their bodies require. In fact, several university Extension programs note that giving animals access to these forages allows them to self-medicate when ill.
Lemon balm is another plant worth a second look. A 2017 study from the University of Guilan in Iran showed that lemon balm added to the diet of broiler chickens improved gut health, boosted immunity, and lowered harmful bacteria like E. coli and Coccidia. While lambs and calves aren't broilers, the science around lemon balm's antimicrobial and calming properties suggests it may help ruminants, too—especially young or stressed animals. It's hardy enough to grow in most Midwest soils, and it spreads gently without taking over.
Mulberry is another underused addition that might be worth fencing off a few rows for. In a 2020 study from the University of Basel in Switzerland, mulberry leaves were found to have high protein content—up to 34%—and digestible fiber, making them a solid candidate for tree hay.
Mulberries grow well throughout the Great Lakes region and can be grazed in silvopasture systems or pruned for hay in late summer. Their leaves are packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that can help support overall animal health.
Some of the benefits of herbal pastures go beyond just animal health. Deep-rooted herbs like dandelion and chicory help break up compacted soils and bring nutrients to the surface, where grasses can access them. Plants like nettle, though prickly to us, are loaded with minerals and have been shown to boost milk production in dairy cattle.
Goldenrod, which animals don't usually eat, brings in pollinators and beneficial insects that help maintain a healthy ecosystem. And while some brassicas like mustard should be grazed with care, small amounts in a mix can help clean up soil-borne pests and diseases without chemicals. A SARE grant by Penn State University found forage brassicas like turnips and kale could reduce erosion and provide valuable fall and winter feed.
Adding herbs to your pasture isn't an all-or-nothing affair. Many farmers start by trying out a small area—a few acres, a sacrifice paddock, or a new seeding in a tired field. A mix might include 70% grasses, 20% legumes, and 10% herbs and forbs. Over time, as these herbs establish themselves, you'll start seeing the benefits: fewer vet calls, better manure and more grazing even in dry months. And if animals have the choice, they'll often go straight for those medicinal plants when they're feeling off.
The practice of planting "herbal leys" isn't new. Farmers in Europe and early American homesteaders used a wide variety of plants in their fields to improve livestock health and soil fertility. What's different now is that modern science is catching up to what those farmers observed.
Research from institutions like Michigan State University, Ohio State, and international studies from New Zealand and Switzerland are all showing the same thing: diverse, herb-rich pastures lead to healthier animals, stronger soils and more resilient farms. That resilience matters, especially as we face increasingly unpredictable weather and rising costs for feed and veterinary care.
A pasture that supports itself—feeding animals better, holding moisture longer, and fending off pests—is a pasture that saves time and money. It's a way to work smarter, not harder, and to give our animals what they're often already seeking out for themselves.
Farmers across Indiana and Michigan and the wider Great Lakes region are already seeing the results. On the Thunderfoot Farms in southern Michigan, they split a pasture into a standard grass-clover side and an herbal mix with chicory and trefoil led to fewer cases of worms and improved gains in their sheep and goats. In northern Indiana, another farmer noted that after adding yarrow and plantain to his goat paddocks, he needed to drench less and saw fewer signs of digestive upset.
Seasonally, the best time to add herbs is during spring or early fall when moisture is more reliable and weed pressure is lower. Frost seeding in late winter works well for certain species like trefoil and plantain. Chicory, lemon balm and brassicas tend to establish better with a light till or no-till drill in the early spring. Tree fodder like mulberry should be planted while dormant, usually in March or April, and can begin contributing leaf material in just a few seasons.
There's no one-size-fits-all recipe, and not every herb will thrive in every soil. But planting for diversity and letting livestock choose from a "salad bar" of forages is proving to be good animal sense and good business.
If you still have some reservations talk to your local Extension agent, conservation district, or NRCS office for more advice, and try a small seeding at first. You don't need to rip up everything or make big changes overnight. Just toss a little chicory in with your grass seed next spring and see what your animals tell you.
After all, they know what they need. We just have to grow it.