Drought conditions have continued to affect the availability of forage, with the grass growth model Isop showing a nationwide growth deficit of 40% as of September 20. This means that grasses, which are essential for livestock feed, have not grown as much as expected. Agricultural engineer Soline Schetelat from the Institut de l'Élevage suggests that farmers can still sow pastures in October using a technique that involves planting a cover crop. This method helps protect young seedlings from harsh winter conditions and allows for biomass production in the spring. The technique involves sowing a mix of cereals and legumes at a depth of about 2 to 3 cm, while pasture species are planted on the surface during the same or a later pass. Rolling the soil is important to ensure good contact between the seeds and the soil. Cover crops can be harvested at different stages depending on the desired outcome. For example, harvesting legumes at their flowering stage provides the highest quality, while harvesting cereals at their flowering stage offers a balance between quality and quantity. Trials at the experimental farm of Thorigné d'Anjou in Maine-et-Loire showed promising results. A mix of triticale, field beans, vetch, and clover sown in mid-October and harvested at the cereal flowering stage yielded 8 tons of dry matter per hectare in the spring. The pasture species growing underneath, including fescue, ryegrass, and various types of clover, can produce an additional 2 tons of dry matter per hectare for the rest of the year. Soline Schetelat notes that this method is becoming more common in the Grand West region. Using farm seeds instead of buying them can reduce planting costs. She also advises farmers not to return their animals to grazing too quickly after rain returns. This allows the pasture time to recover and grow stronger. Grass growth starts slowly, then speeds up as plants develop more leaves, which help with photosynthesis. Farmers are encouraged to wait until the grass reaches a height of about 8 to 10 cm before grazing, as grazing too early can harm the long-term productivity of the pasture.