Grass-based dairy system on degraded sandy soil in France

70-hectare farm in Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux, Vendée, transitioned from mixed farming to a grass-based system with 64 suckler cows on 60 hectares of multispecies grassland and 10 hectares of triticale. The farm uses rotational grazing with moveable fences, direct seeding since 2008, and an underground water system to boost yields to 7.5 tonnes of dry matter per hectare. Minimal mechanisation reduces annual inputs by €2,200, while high summer cover improves soil moisture retention. The system increases stocking rate to 2 UGB/ha, reduces forage needs to 1.2 tons/UGB, and enhances resilience to drought through mixed forage and wood-based bedding. Profitability improves via lower feed costs and reduced subsidy dependence. Challenges include autumn droughts and straw dependency, addressed by rapid feeding of unfit animals and potential herd expansion.