Committing to produce milk sustainably: the farm running a mixed farming system of livestock and crops is a complete game changer

Producing milk in an environmentally conscious, sustainable way is the mission of Alexis and Delphine on their farm in Loir-et-Cher. Only twenty minutes from the Vendôme TGV railway station, the farm comprises 160 hectares of crops devoted to cattle feed and sales. A broad range of crops are grown, including wheat and maize for silage, winter barley, sunflowers, alfalfa, buckwheat and meslin. The crops form the basis for a rich soil, enhanced by crop rotation. The livestock buildings are located at the very heart of the farm, surrounded by planted fields.

“Delphine and I met when we were studying agricultural engineering,” Alexis explains with a smile. “Managing a farm is not always easy. Sometimes you have a run of bad luck; calving can be challenging at times: your heart really needs to be in it! It’s easier when there are two of you. We chose this life together.”

Settled on the farm since 2014, they had no previous ties to the region. The beauty of the undulating countryside and the farm’s relatively isolated location were all it took to convince the couple to spend their lives managing the farm together and raising their three children. “We are multi-skilled!” confirms Delphine, who juggles her days between the fields and livestock. Nevertheless, this was a huge step from their previous life in Lille. Raising dairy cattle is relatively rare in Loir-et-Cher: “There may only be a few of us, but we stick together”, enthuses Alexis, “Importantly, we have set up a type of co-operative (CUMA) to share the upfront costs of purchasing high-quality equipment, therefore reducing costs for everyone’s benefit.”

In this area, the type of farm run by Alexis and Delphine stands apart for its mixed farming system combining plant cultivation and dairy farming.. Adopting this approach, the couple adheres to a number of principles: not ploughing the soils and strengthening their natural richness through regular crop rotation, favouring pasturing, and using the natural manure to fertilise the soils. “By opting not to plough the soils we can leave the  natural ecosystem to do its job,” explains Delphine. “Earthworms have a key role to play in this process. They come to the surface to gather minerals and then take them deep into the earth. They therefore have a dual function by enhancing soil quality and aerating the soil by creating a network of burrows. This is evident in the tests we have carried out. The soil crumble structure is much improved, and there are a lot more worms. The results are clear.” To protect the soil in each plot between crops, Delphine and Alexis grow cover crops. “We never leave the soil bare in order to protect it.” For Alexis, this respect for the land, characteristic of peasant farming, is paramount.

On average, a cow consumes approximately 70kg of plant-based feed per day, (fodder and other nutrients). “Some believe that feeding cattle crops is counter-productive,” adds Benoit Rouillé. “Yet a recent study confirms this is a sustainable solution, since 89% of plant proteins ingested by the livestock is not fit for human consumption. It is also worth noting that it takes 5kg of plant protein to produce 1kg of animal protein. Producing plant protein is therefore essential to maintain the production of animal protein such as the kind contained in dairy products.” IDELE has therefore published five key criteria to categorise dairy farm sustainability: adhering to animal welfare principles; an environmentally friendly approach; balanced, equitable land use; making production profitable for farmers; and avoiding feed-food competition. Alexis and Delphine’s farm demonstrates how this is possible. “We are very happy to share our conception of sustainable agriculture. Every plot of land and every herd is different, with its own strengths and challenges. Farming the land can’t be the same everywhere,” insists Alexis.

While the guidelines have been clearly determined for sustainable dairy production, for farmers wanting to come on board a case-by-case approach will always be necessary.