at the head of a cattle farm at 22, Lucas Boulat, in praise of courage

An example of tenacity and courage. After the sudden death of his father Frédéric in 2020 at the age of 50, Lucas Boulat is at the helm of breeding two hundred and seventy limousines with Les Viollières in Gourgé, north of Parthenay. “My dad died when I was still at school: I was 18, I had one year of professional baccalaureate left to complete. I fought to keep the operation and keep what he built aliverewinds the young 22-year-old breeder. I was an intern on the farm at that time, an employee took over. »

In parallel with her job, her mother, Marina Mazé, is today the manager of SCEA Les Vallées, while Lucas is still an employee waiting to officially settle down in 2025. And to see little brother Mathéo, who is coming to complete his studies, join him. “I always wonder what Dad would do in the fieldshe wonders aloud. Fortunately, neighbors and cooperative technicians help us. »

Claims

One certainty: the farm, bought in 1995 by Frédéric, is run with a gentle master's hand by his son. If he stopped the sheep after the death of his father, Lucas Boulat puts forward his goal of soon setting up his flock of limousines – “a rustic breed, easy to breed and fatten and with good value for money” in his words – around a hundred calvings, fed by the 170 hectares of land, 80% of which is reserved for grass. The secret of his success: “Spend as much time as possible with the animals. »

Like his determination, the young breeder does not hold his tongue in his pocket. This Monday, November 18, 2024 marked the start of a new mobilization of farmers, in Deux-Sèvres and throughout France. “The prices of livestock are holding up, it's keeping our heads above water but we've been struggling with the weather and paperwork for two years: it's eating up our time, it's getting worse and worsehe assures. On state aid, things aren't changing even though we lost a lot this year because we didn't pick up quality grass. »

Referring to the free trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, the crux of tensions in the agricultural world, Lucas Boulat believes “let us down, it’s absurd what they want to bring in” as products from South American farms.

More than three hundred and sixty cattle in the competition

In Gâtine, a regular at the event since 2021, Lucas Boulat will bring 4 cows and 3 heifers to the traditional award-winning fair organized by Apocab (Association for the organization of butchery animal competitions) on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 December 2024 at the Parthenay livestock market. The limousine and its 83 representatives will be in the spotlight, alongside the 175 Parthenaises, 26 Charolais and even 58 Blondes from Aquitaine. “There will be 367 cattle, or 20% more registrations than last year: this is a surprise given that prices have remained stable, or even increased, on farms”rejoices Joël Denis, president of Apocab, who underlines “deserves it” by Lucas Boulat “who spends a lot of time with his calm animals. The Parthenay competition has a good reputation, and on average in 2023, animals sold for €1.50 to €2 more per kilo. Our courses are superior to the Cholet competition. »