Cholet, France – April 2024.
In the village of Ménilaurent, near the city of Cholet, lies one of the most modern dairy farms in this part of France — GAEC Lact’Ajoux. Twin brothers Christophe and François manage the farm, producing 1.3 million liters of milk annually on 124 hectares. “We are a GEEC of two. In essence, we make all decisions together. Still, in practice, each has their area of responsibility,” says Christophe, showing the new milking facility with two robotic units that allow cows to move freely.
They raise between 125 and 130 cows, of which 108 were in lactation during the visit. “The less stress for the animals, the better the production,” says François.
In 2023, they equipped the farm with cutting-edge L-shaped milking robots. Straw mattresses and an automatic manure scraper ensure hygiene and comfort. On average, each cow produces around 36 liters of milk per day, with “excellent figures this year — 48g of milk fat and 34g of protein per liter.”
Nine million liters — but not here
Using shared machinery (French: CUMA), they operate a feed distribution truck that serves ten farms, collectively producing nine million liters of milk. “It saves us an incredible amount of time. The truck arrives at the same time every day, without delay,” Christophe explains.
Their feed ration per cow is: 6.5 kg maize silage, 6.5 kg grass silage, 2.8 kg sorghum silage (dry matter), 3 kg rapeseed meal, 1 kg homegrown corn, 1.7 kg wheat flour, 280 g minerals, salt, and a bit of urea. In addition, each cow receives 2.5 kg of rapeseed meal and 2.5 kg of Ami+ concentrate via the robot.
Lower carbon footprint and carbon credit sales
Since 2017, the farm has participated in the CAP’2ER carbon reduction program. “We stopped using soy and switched to GMO-free rapeseed meal. We planted 300 trees as part of agroforestry. We haven’t plowed in 20 years, except last year. By limiting heifer breeding to 35 annually, we reduce emissions,” says Christophe. They saved 520 tons of CO₂ and sell these credits to Carrefour at €30 per ton. “It’s additional income and motivation to improve,” he adds.
Animal welfare and environment
Cows have access to 17 hectares of pasture from April to July. Ventilation fans and misters provide shade and fresh air. “We don’t close the barns; they face east, away from dominant winds. Calves get used to robot sounds from an early age,” says François.
Digital collars detect estrus and are removed post-insemination. An automatic scraper clears the manure over twenty times daily and transports it four times a week to a biogas facility.
“It’s all about people”
“We’ve worked with the same partners for years. With Néolet for over a decade. Our milk is delivered to Séquille Patron, which just opened a new plant in Cholet. Last month, we received €535/ton, and €492 for GMO-free milk. The base price is €540,” Christophe concludes.
Quote of the day
“If we have to reduce emissions for nature’s sake, why not do it in a way that pays?” — Christophe, GAEC Lact’Ajoux
Source: Video by Étienne, known as Agriyoutubeurre
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