Representatives of Agrobiznis magazine are currently in France as guests at the renowned agricultural fair Sommet de l’Élevage in the city of Clermont-Ferrand. During this visit, we toured the family farm GAEC de la Vergne, located near this city. This farm represents a successful example of modern and efficient dairy farming management. Specializing in the breeding of Holstein cows, the farm has significantly increased its milk production over the years thanks to innovation and dedication.
Farm History
Jérôme, the current owner, joined the family business in 2000. Since then, the farm has undergone numerous changes, including the introduction of a milking robot in 2012 and the expansion of the facilities in 2016 with the addition of a second milking robot. In 2021, Jérôme’s wife, Sarah, took over the farm’s management after his mother retired. Sarah is also an active member of the management board of the Prim’Holstein union in Puy de Dôme, while Jérôme serves as president of the SODIALL cooperative in the Massif Central.
Production Results: 11,000 Liters per Cow
Starting with a herd of 60 cows and an annual production of 430,000 liters of milk, the farm reached an impressive 1,300,000 liters of milk in 2024 with a herd of 130 Holstein cows. The average milk production per cow is 11,000 liters, with 4.01% fat and 3.29% protein, thanks to careful genetic selection and efficient breeding methods.
Sustainable Operation
The farm is located in the Combrailles region, which is hilly with an altitude of 800 meters. The climate is continental with an influence from the Atlantic Ocean, and the soil is volcanic, shallow, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. The average annual precipitation is 750 mm, contributing to the sustainability and quality of the pastures. The farm uses a zero-grazing system where cows are fed on pastures but do not leave the farm, allowing for better control over their diet and health.
Crop Production
A total of 183 hectares are used for agricultural production, including 75 hectares of permanent pasture, 37 hectares of temporary pasture, 11 hectares dedicated to wheat cultivation, 26 hectares for triticale, and 34 hectares for corn silage.
Genetics
One of the farm’s key successes lies in the management of the herd’s genetics. Cows calve for the first time at an average of 29 months, and the herd replacement rate is 35%. This careful selection results in excellent body conformation and high milk quality.
Milk Production per Cow Over the Years
Over the years, GAEC de la Vergne has seen a significant increase in the average milk production per cow. In 2000, the average production was 8,500 liters per cow. By 2012, this average had risen to 9,500 liters, an impressive growth in a relatively short period. However, the peak came in 2024, when each cow on the farm produced an average of 11,000 liters of milk annually. This continuous increase of 2,500 liters per cow over two decades clearly reflects the commitment to improving genetics, nutrition, and the conditions in which the herd is kept.
Labor and Milk Price
The farm is run by Jérôme, his wife, and his father. Good mechanization, genetics, cleaning robots, milking robots, and food distribution are essential and of course, cooperation with veterinary services is crucial. The milk price is 0.465 euros per liter, or 465 euros for 1,000 liters. The milk is purchased by a cooperative, which is satisfied with the collaboration.