The Young Farmers (JA) of the canton Der & Blaise are organizing an open farm on Sunday June 9, 2024. The Gaec Bas des Côtes, located in Arnancourt, will welcome visitors from 10 a.m.
After their farm opened last year in Anglus, the Young Farmers this time chose a farm in the Blaise valley to introduce visitors to the agricultural world.. “Conviviality and good humor will be the key words of the day,” assures the peasant union. Gaec Bas de Côtes is a family farm in mixed crop and livestock farming. It produces milk, 700,000 liters per year, thanks to its 65 cows. “She recently invested in robot milking,” says Valentin Couillez, president of Young Farmers Der & Blaise.
“The crisis in the agricultural world is still not resolved”
During this open farm, visitors will be able to meet animals (cows, chickens, goats, etc.) and do their shopping at a local products market. Champagne from Rizaucourt, honey from Brethenay but also hats, sweets, bracelets…
Farmers Market
Agricultural equipment will also be on display, as well as miniatures. Games and other activities will be offered to children such as a bouncy castle and a pedal tractor course. “This allows people outside the agricultural world to discover it, we will explain to them how milking takes place, animal feeding, etc. “, continues Valentin Couillez. It also provides information on the real working conditions of farmers.
“The crisis in the agricultural world is still not resolved”assures Valentin Couillez, “if necessary we will start again”. Gaec Bas de Côtes uses conventional agriculture, meaning it uses phytosanitary products. “Organic is feasible, but not on a large scale, if everyone did organic, we wouldn’t have anything to eat anymore”says the farmer.
This gaec adopts a conservation system and only treats the soil when necessary. “We’re careful, we don’t go in full doses,” assures the union official. The Young Farmers will provide refreshments and catering throughout the day. In particular, you can taste the canton’s famous farm burgers, made exclusively from local products. The day will end with a concert by a local band which will start from 6 p.m.
