Grasbased system (No inputs)

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.

Additional information

Farming system

conventional farming

Domains of innovation

farm system

Main types of animal

beef cattle

Country

Germany

Product type

Farmer portrait

Language

English, German

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