Barn-drying on dairy farms in Aveyron

摘要

The technique of barn-drying has been in use from the 60s onwards ; it has been on the increase lately with dairy farmers in Aveyron (rearing cattle, sheep, goats). A group of 14 farmers practising barn-drying and another group of 12 farmers who contemplated using this technique were followed in a study aiming at analysing its agricultural, zootechnical and economic impacts, as well as the consequences on the working of the farming system and on the harvesting operations. Barn-drying ensures a certain self-sufficiency and security as regards harvesting operations and stock feeding (reduced purchase of outside forage, often of dehydrated lucerne). Barn-dried forage contributes to the brand image of a high-quality dairy production. Operating costs are limited (under 10 000 FF/year), but the setting-up of the facilities involves a heavy investment and its timing has to be carefully thought over.