Crise économique et choix des systèmes de production

In order to provide the farmer with as many services as possible it is as well to think both in terms of his farm (the best use of the land and the climate) and in terms of what he buys outside, and to consider the necessary economies that must be made, especially where animal productions are concerned. Many products can be obtained in more advantageous conditions, especially the proteins needed for cattle. Why not give fodder to the cattle instead of transforming this fodder into more highly processed products requiring energy, that consequently cost more ? A concrete experiment in dairy-farming shows that a rational intensification is necessary. It is possible, and enables farmers farming 20-50 hectares to obtain an adequate income from a herd of 40-50 cows. At the same time, rotation cropping ensures the future, by intensive cultivation of grain crops. These are highly productive and are also the best means of protecting the soil, which then maintains all its agronomic potential.