Five pasture-based dairy farms from different pedoclimatic zones across Luxembourg joined forces to take pasture management to the next level. Throughout the growing season, farmers measured grass growth every week on dedicated trial plots. Grass was cut, weighed and analysed for its nutritional content – turning careful observation into valuable knowledge.

The data collected on the farms, combined with local soil and climate information, fed into existing grass growth models. This helped create a tailor-made forecasting tool for Luxembourg. The Bern University of Applied Sciences oversaw data processing and validated the model, while the participating farmers received hands-on guidance to put the new knowledge into practice. With this support, they could adjust grazing areas, manage feed supplements and better align pasture use with livestock needs.

At the same time, a consumer survey was conducted to explore public perceptions of pasture-based livestock farming and its influence on shopping choices, highlighting the social and economic value of sustainable grazing.

In 2020, weekly grass growth measurements took place on the five pilot farms using the Grasshopper Plate Meter. These results were shared transparently with the farming community through weekly updates in Lëtzebuerger Bauer (the Luxembourg agricultural newspaper) and on Grengland. The daily growth can also be checked here. On one farm, additional measurements with a bar mower helped fine-tune the method, which was then applied across all pilot farms in 2021.

The knowledge gained, including pasture calendars that tracked grazing patterns, laid the foundation for tailored advice on pasture and feed management – ensuring that grass, animals and farmers all benefited.