Leverage Grassland Diversity for Resilient Forage Production

Leveraging grassland diversity enhances feed autonomy and resilience to climate variability. At the forage system level, exploiting complementary grassland types ensures consistent year-round forage quality and quantity. Prioritizing early-growing pastures for grazing and mowing, followed by later-growing or legume-rich areas, maintains nutritional value and yield. Soil type, fertility, ground bearing capacity, and floristic composition should guide parcel classification and management planning. Adapting practices to local conditions and climatic risks—such as drought or heatwaves—preserves flora and improves system stability. Example: two distinct grasslands on a Puy-de-Dôme farm in May 2015.