Rotational grazing: Costs and benefits on a 1.5 ha farm

Rotational grazing optimizes pasture use by controlling grass growth to maintain young, leafy forage for longer. This method reduces feed costs and land maintenance, with a case study from Thaurion, Creuse, showing a €130 net saving in 2016. Four saddle horses were managed on a 1.5 ha paddock divided into five 0.3 ha sections, using electric fencing and a 5–7 day rotation. Grass was grazed when 7–8 cm high and rested until 5 cm, ensuring 3 weeks of recovery. Productivity-based stocking rates were 30–50 ares per UGB. Total costs were €388.18 in 2016, down from €43.90 in 2015, with zero supplementary feed used. The system reduced feed costs by €277 and improved forage utilization. Data from IFCE’s 2025 study by Charlotte Geyl.