Feed autonomy and soil-plant-livestock dynamics in dairy farming

Production costs per 1,000 liters of milk in 2018 and 2021 include labor, land, management, buildings, mechanization, development, surface provision, and feed. In 2021, labor costs decreased due to workforce reallocation to beef cattle; surface provision costs rose from higher seed prices, new forage mixes, and expanded areas. Improved milk valuation partially offset reduced subsidies. The project achieved 77% feed autonomy and 100% forage autonomy in 2021, with concentrate purchases supporting milk quality and output. Objectives included reducing concentrate use, maintaining 360g/l milk excellence target, and enhancing protein and fat content. Ongoing work includes prairie trials, soil-plant-livestock linkage studies, and optimizing immature cereal use. Farmer feedback confirms benefits of legumes in pastures, enabling seven months of goat feeding without nitrogen correctors in 2018, and current yields of ~850 liters per goat, sustained via late-planting trials (e.g., PME under oats in 2019). Co-financed by the European Agricultural Development Fund and Occitanie region, the project emphasizes rural investment, sustainable practices, soil health monitoring, forage optimization, and livestock productivity. Key recommendations: prioritize legume-based pastures, adaptive forage strategies, and continuous surveillance of soil-plant-livestock dynamics for long-term autonomy and product quality.