2024-03-06 06:01:00
the essential A dream today comes true. The goats are installed, cheese production has been booming since March and is being marketed.
Gaëtan Barthe, an enthusiast who did not hesitate to begin a career change despite the current agricultural context. “At 34, it was the time. I gave up my job as a wine salesman. I was no longer accomplished there. A little by chance, I meet Marie and Matthieu. Both stopped their activity as goatherd – cheese maker in the Moncrabel commune. My first visit to their former farm is purely informative. A need to share with people in the sector and get their feedback on the profession. Right away, the current flows very well. Our exchanges became more and more regular until one day, during a meal, they told me of their desire to bring the goat farm back to life. And ideally with me. After a few days of reflection, I said yes without really hesitating. »
An inspiring journey
The farm is organic. During March 2023, it’s the start. Gaëtan takes the plunge, rents the land and buildings. “Let’s not lie, it made my installation easier. I would like to encourage rotating pasture on ten hectares and five hectares for haymaking. » Starting from scratch, he used crowdfunding to acquire his livestock. He needed fifty goats and two goats that he had found in Deux-Sèvres, of Alpine breed, renowned for their good genetics with up to 2.5 liters of milk.
The collection turned out to be positive. The passion and seriousness displayed by Gaétan seduces. “In return, some came to see the goats upon receipt to give them a name. Others opted for cheese tasting… I thank once more the people who believed in me so that I might start this incredible adventure. Help came to supplement my cash flow as part of the Livestock Recovery scheme. »
A year where the young goatherd carried out the work of rehabilitating the farm’s facilities and remote schooling to obtain his BPREA (professional agricultural business manager certificate). The goats arrived in mid-April. In mid-August, they were put into breeding. The births follow one another “with 100% success at the time of the ultrasounds. I can only congratulate the two goats Ulk and Ulysses who are doing a great job. » About fifty little kids are frolicking in the nursery today.
The operational cheese factory
A year later, no regrets for Gaëtan. Nothing was easy but he was able to count on the wise advice of former breeders. “When I was in sales, I was tired and how can I tell you! Today, I get up early but with great motivation. »
His days? “I start at 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. between the daily maintenance of the livestock, milking, making cheese. » In some time he would also like to start making yogurt. A downside, however, is the administration which takes one day a week. A recurring problem that many farmers and breeders denounce. You can already find its farm cheeses at the Biocoop store in Nérac, at Intermarché, at Cœur de village in Agen…
He also applied for a spot at a Country Farmers Market® and a summer market. As of today, he is awaiting a response. The goatherd devotes Wednesdays to sales and visits to the goat farm from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday March 9, cheeses, salted, unmolded, faitsselle, tome… will be on the morning market in Nérac. Gaëtan hopes for many of you for this premiere. Gaëtan Barthe, 873 route de l’Osse, 47600 Moncrabeau, telephone: 06 30 33 12 62.
1709705557
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