Agriculture in Eure: Generational shifts and pasture management

In the Eure department of France, agricultural practices are adapting to changing climates and generational shifts. Estelle Lesage, a 35-year-old farmer in Corneuil, manages a 200-hectare large-scale crop operation producing rapeseed, wheat, barley, flax, and maize. Having transitioned into the role through family succession, she manages two sites inherited from her aunt, uncle, and parents. Her operation previously included dairy and beef cattle, but high workloads, poor beef market conditions, and droughts that limited forage production led to the cessation of livestock farming.

Regarding pasture management following summer droughts, experts such as Maddalena Moretti from Littoral Normand advise farmers on how to utilize autumn grass regrowth. To optimize autumn grazing and conserve stored forage, it is recommended to support pastures with phosphorus and potassium applications. For permanent pastures, farmers are advised to wait until grass reaches at least 8 cm in height to allow plants to rebuild reserves. While autumn grass is nitrogen-rich due to renewed mineralization, its high water content can limit ingestion, requiring careful management of the nutritional density of rations.