Grass-based grazing management for soil and sward conservation in France

This cattle farm in Vende, western France, maximises grass use and maintains soil and sward health through advanced grazing techniques. With 90% grassland and 10% cereals/legumes for silage, the farm uses strip-grazing, strategic plot allocation, and timing grazing to match animal needs and grass growth stages. Grazing at ear emergence preserves sward density and supports natural reseeding. Pregnant cows graze regrown pastures in late summer, enhancing resilience. The system produces 10–12 tons of dry matter per hectare, matching non-irrigated maize yields. Overseeding improves sward quality and reduces mechanisation costs. Climate change, particularly prolonged dry periods, threatens long-term sustainability.