Seeking to reduce work hours and limit the number of unproductive animals, some livestock farmers exploiting grass-based systems have decided to raise dairy heifers using nurse cows. Utilising the experiences of these farmers and a step-by-step design, we have created a six-stage approach (TEMPo) in which multiple calves are allowed to nurse at will from a single foster cow. We experimentally tested its utility at the ASTER-Mirecourt Experimental Facility. During the first year of the experiment, 9 calves were nursed by 3 foster cows. Calf growth (liveweight gain) in this group averaged 817 g/day for the first 9 months, a much better performance than that seen in the calves fed via automatic milk feeder (and given grain supplements). The nature of the work involved was different as well. So, it seems feasible to achieve an age at first calving of 24 months and enhanced productivity in systems that are entirely grass based, economical, and autonomous.