Description
The whole livestock farming system is based on grass. The predominant part of the ration consists of roughage in the form of pasture fodder and hay. In winter the roughage is also used as bedding, so the animals feed and rest at the same time.
Throughout the year the herd of cows move freely within the pasture area and can choose between pasture and sta-ble. The feed and bedding takes place on the own area in the summer (during summer they harvest hay on some grassland farm areas instead of grazing). The pastures are consolidated around the stable, so pathways for the herd of cows are short enough.
Farm description
Environment
- Soil types: clay soil
- Climate: Temperate oceanic climate
Grassland management
- Grazing: Yes
- Grazing management type: rotational grazing
Structure
- Agricultural Area : 60 ha
- Permanent grassland area: 60 ha
- Average stocking rates:
- Agricultural area 1.25 LU/ha
- Main forage area 3.75 LU/ha
- Grassland area 1.25 LU/ha
Animal performance
- Cows: 58
- Bulls: 2
- Breed type 1: Angus
- Breed type 2: HF
- Breed type 3: Limousin
Why it is working
Until 2011, the farm had milked cows in the barn which resulted in high workload with high costs. The new low-cost strategy was implemented quickly and do not need a great deal of work.
