Claude and Julien... a father and son partnership
Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?
Hello, I set up this farm in 1988. At the start of the 1990s, we built this building and the house that's on the site. We only started dairy production in 2005. I started out on my own and continued for a few years. Then Julien, our son, joined the venture in 2012.
We've come a long way and we're now in a phase of change. First, we analyse the market and how it's evolving, and then we take action. The dairy situation is changing, and the farm is set to expand further in the coming years. Lastly, these changes take time, the investment is significant and very gradual.
How many cows do you have?
We've expanded considerably in recent years. We now have about 70 dairy cows producing 650,000 litres of milk a year.
Our development has been possible because five farms have stopped producing over the years. We have recovered some of their production.
Why did you take a gamble on a farm using new technologies? Are you satisfied?
Yes, we took the gamble, and I'd go so far as to say that it was a turning point in our lives.
It was one of the solutions we found at the time. Using new technologies on a daily basis is a good way of ensuring the future of milk production on our farm. Finally, as a result of the milking robot, it is now automated. I would say that the arduous side is reduced and we have more flexibility in managing our working hours. What's more, organisation is very important.
In dairy farming, even when automated, it's the cows that decide. They are sensitive and don't like to be rushed. I would say that there's an advantage to using these methods: the cows don't get stressed. They can go to be milked whenever they want. To find out more about technological innovations on our farms, read this article!
The only stress they may have comes from their position in the herd hierarchy. Some cows are dominant, others are dominated, but we've never had any major problems in that area. So, in a way, they respect each other and they all find their place.
What are the advantages of this father and son duo?
The first advantage of our job is that we are our own bosses. We work for ourselves and nobody tells us what we have to do. This independence allows us to organise our days as we wish.
Then, it's important to emphasise that we work very much to the rhythm of the seasons. In other words, our tasks differ depending on the month of the year. And then, each day is a different day. Of course, some tasks are done on a daily basis, but our days vary a lot from one day to the next.
Which means we also have a lot of unforeseen events and we have to know how to deal with them! It's not easy every day...
But instead of calling it a profession, I'd say it's more of a lifestyle choice. What I mean is that employees, for example, do their day's work and then go home. This gives them a break between two working days.
However, we live with our job 24/7 every month of the year. But that's part of our choice; it's a real passion. And as they say: "Passion always triumphs over reason"!
What advice would you give your son today?
The dairy situation is in a state of upheaval right now. So, I think the first piece of advice I could give him is to be very careful about the choices he makes, especially from a financial point of view. All choices need to be reasoned and well thought out!
Passionate farmers sometimes think too much about their farm. And, in my opinion, you have to be able to throttle back a bit now and then, and spend a bit more time on your private life.
Finally, as a producer, do you prefer bibeleskaes or yoghurt?
Julien: I prefer yoghurt.
Dad: Oh no, I love both!
And whole or semi-skimmed milk?
Well, whole milk, without question!
What can we hope for you for the future?
I think the most important thing is that young people continue to be involved and are just as passionate about the farming profession. So that the local dairy industry will continue to exist...