Jersey cows on pasture: Grazing4AgroEcology case study

This document details a pasture-based dairy system using Jersey cows in the Netherlands, part of the 'Grazing4AgroEcology' case study NL_08. Located in the Atlantic Central agroclimatic zone with moderate rainfall and sandy soil, the system features technical simplicity and mid-level financial investment. Funded by the European Union, it supports full-time farming with global market orientation. Challenges include limited land and access to Jersey cattle. Adaptation strategies include shorter, intensive grazing periods on small plots. Economic analysis shows minimal reductions in energy and input costs, with no major income gains. Environmental benefits include moderate improvements in feed self-sufficiency and animal welfare, but low impact on biodiversity, nitrogen cycling, and soil regeneration. Socially, the system does not reduce workload or attract youth. Initial costs are moderate for authorisation, with low ongoing costs across advisory, machinery, and other categories. Views are the authors’ and do not reflect the European Union’s position.