The Farm
Le Grand Pacey is a small family farm of 43 hectares, feeding a herd of 45 Normandy cows plus young replacement stock: 70 animals in all.
Our cattle feed mainly on grazed grass from February to November. In winter, our cows also get maize, barley and hay grown on the farm.
For more than ten years we have stopped ploughing our fields, so the soil can regain healthy biological activity and erosion is limited. We use very few chemicals on our animals (antibiotics, wormers) and more and more plant-based products.
Although the Normandy breed is key to the quality of our milk, the herd's diet matters just as much. Our cows give us generous milk of higher quality than other breeds, rich in Omega 3 and easier to digest. (INRA 2014)
In short, as you'll have gathered, even if they can be a little slow on the uptake, we love our Normandy cows!
I took over the farm from my father in 1992, and today I practise so-called sustainable farming that respects the soil and animal welfare.
If you come by Le Grand Pacey, I'll be happy to show you a little of my daily life and answer your questions!
