Bringing together the best of rugged resilience and delicious beef, the Gascon breed is making waves in French and international farming circles. Agriland recently had the chance to visit a farm in Siauges Saint Marie, France, specializing in this unique breed of suckler cows.
A Farm High Above the Valley
Nestled 1km above sea level, the 115ha farm run by Hubert and Nicolas Jouve is a testament to the Gascon’s hardiness. They cultivate 25ha of cereals to feed their herd, along with 1ha of lentils that are sold directly from the farm. The diverse landscape includes 25ha of temporary pasture, 3ha of Lucerne, 35ha of permanent pasture, and 10ha of pasture irrigated with gravity. This variety ensures a healthy and varied diet for the Gascon herd.
Natural Flavor, Premium Production
The heart of the Jouve farm is their 60-cow Gascon suckler herd, which calves year-round. The progeny are fattened and sold as premium boxed beef, attracting customers who appreciate its superior taste.
The farm also provides pork and lamb to customers in the surrounding region. Livestock are slaughtered nearby in Brioude and then processed and packaged at an on-farm preparation unit.
Direct Sales, Maximum Value
According to Hubert, the Gascon breed delivers impressive value. While a heifer with a 300kg carcass through a conventional system might fetch €1,800, selling directly to consumers raises the price to approximately €3,000. This direct sales approach allows the farm to maximize their returns and offer customers an exceptional product.
Hubert and Nicolas market their beef at their farm shop and attend two markets per week in neighboring towns. This strategic approach ensures a high level of customer engagement and builds direct relationships.
A Breed Built for Success
Breeding takes place through natural service using two bulls purchased from the breed-testing station. The average calving interval on the farm is 363 days, a testament to the breed’s known ability for efficient reproduction. Replacement heifers are raised on the farm and calve between 24-30 months of age. The remaining heifers are slaughtered around 300-400kg, while bulls reach up to 500kg and some younger bulls are sold at 7 months with a target of 200kg.
The Jouve farm utilizes decorative bells on their cows and replacement heifers, a technique that helps discourage predators like deer and minimizes the risk of disease spread.
Land rental costs in the region vary from €100-150/ha and the Jouves receive all of their farm support payments. However, wolves are a constant threat, occasionally taking calves as prey.
Gascon: Resilience and Rich Flavor
Gascon cattle are renowned for their hardiness and athleticism. Their coats are short, thick, and protect them against both extreme temperatures and water. They breed naturally and produce calves that are relatively small at birth. Gascon mothers are known to be exceptional caregivers, and their milk production is high, ensuring their calves thrive rapidly after birth.
ORIGINATING IN A MOUNTAINOUS REGION WHERE FODDER IS LIMITED, Gascon cattle are exceptionally efficient at converting forage into meat, a valuable trait for farmers looking to maximize productivity.
