Régis Géraud, a breeder and selector of Limousin cattle in Corrèze, France, has been working with an independent nutritionist, Stéphane Lauzet, for about ten years. After completing a BTS in Analysis, Management, and Strategy of Agricultural Enterprises, Régis realized that the role of a selector required specialized knowledge. He became one of the first dairy breeders in the region to consult a nutritionist, a decision that has helped him manage this year's severe summer drought with more confidence. By focusing on feed autonomy and reducing production costs, Régis has transitioned from buying pellets to producing feed at home, using alfalfa and analyzing all his forages. He also uses by-products and works with a nutritionist who acts as a consultant rather than a salesperson. Régis estimates that this approach has saved him around 10,000 euros annually, with a cost of about 2,500 euros for the service. To cut costs, Régis collaborates with several other breeders to buy feed in bulk. For example, he purchases 25 tonnes of rape seed with three other producers and buys liquid feed rich in protein and sugar from about twenty farmers. This year, due to the drought, he turned to biscuit flour, ordering 84 tonnes from Vendée in June on Stéphane's advice. Corn crops had been affected by a lack of water and a storm on July 14, which could reduce yields by 30 to 35 percent. By mid-August, biscuit flour had already increased in price by 20 euros per ton, but Régis had already made his purchase. He plans to use this flour to replace corn in his feed. Régis has streamlined his feeding system for his 300 animals per year. He has experimented with various feeds, including soy and beet pulp, but found them either too costly or impractical. His current system relies heavily on grass silage from 50 hectares and alfalfa, which can regrow with only 30 mm of water. He also keeps a minimum of hay in the rations and maintains some excess land for emergencies. Alfalfa is a key component, especially for its fibrous content, which is essential for calves. He avoids pellets and hay in some cases, as they can have the opposite effect. His feed purchases, excluding straw, are less than 20,000 euros annually. In Régis's area, finding suitable by-products can be challenging, but he is open to using unconventional materials like honey pops, couscous semolina, and biscuit flour from the Marseille region. Stéphane once analyzed a liquid feed and found that its actual composition differed from what the seller had claimed, leading to adjustments in the feeding plan. Régis also reads and observes to improve his practices, believing that what works in dairy farming can also apply to beef cattle. He ensures his cows produce high-quality milk for their calves and uses marl and urea to improve soil conditions. He avoids keeping dry cows during the summer, instead concentrating calvings between August 15 and November 15, aiming for one calf per cow per year. His management approach includes vaccinations and supplements to prevent health issues and ensure economic efficiency.