For this first article in the series "Come, I'll take you there" we take you to Steige to discover the farm of Roméo Schieber, La Ferme du Manou.
Roméo has been established as a Young Farmer in the commune of Steige since 2016 with a herd of Salers suckler cows in organic farming and Gascon black pigs. He took over the family farm created by his parents in 1998.
From the moment he set up shop, he developed direct sales: he offers meat, minced steaks, terrines and dry sausages. In the summer, he has a stall at the Villé Local Produce Market.
Today the hundred or so Salers cattle are housed in a new building constructed in 2019, the old stable is dedicated to the storage and breeding of Gascon pigs (3 sows and 1 boar).
He also plans to develop a retail space there.
The farm also houses 3 cottages with a total capacity of 18 beds.
To get a little more detail about his farm, let's ask Romeo a few questions.
-Hello Romeo,
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I am 23 years old and I live in Steige.
-What made you decide to pursue a career in farming?
My parents started farming when I was 2 years old, I lived this adventure with them, I never imagined doing anything else.
-What studies did you pursue to be able to do this job?
I completed a vocational baccalaureate at the Obernai agricultural high school and did all my mandatory internships in Savoie on mountain farms.
-Why Salers?
It is a hardy breed originating from Auvergne that has adapted perfectly to our terroir. Its ease of breeding makes it a cow with exceptional qualities.
-100 animals, I imagine your days are quite busy. Can you give us some examples of what occupies your days on your farm?
At this time of year, the animals are still in the stable;
I start by giving hay to the Salers cattle, I check if the calves are with their mothers, I provide care to the animals that need it.
During the day, I prepare the paddocks that will accommodate my different herds from April to October (I separate my animals into 3 rotating herds): fencing, mulching, spreading, repairing damage.
In the evening, I feed the Salers again and clean the stalls.
– And what about the pigs in all this?
I feed them morning and evening and give them fresh straw.
-What products from your farm do you offer?
Beef, including minced steaks, and dry sausages and terrines of Gascon pork.
-Do you process everything on site?
Everything is transformed here.
-What is your vision of agriculture? Can we speak of a particular form of livestock farming or cultivation in your country?
For us, agriculture is about the relationship between animal and plant species; everything is connected. One cannot exist without the other. We don't aim for intensive farming, but for quality. We respect the land and, above all, our animals. We encourage longer lactation periods whenever possible, so we don't have too many kids each year. We try to place the kids alive, but sometimes it's impossible, and above all, we don't send our retired goats to the slaughterhouse. They spend their final days here, or we entrust them to kind people.
I think it's not all about money; you have to learn to give in order to receive.
Organic or not organic?
Organic, of course; conventional farming is to be banned. Besides, we shouldn't have to pay for organic certification; it's conventional agriculture that should be wearing a label... for denunciation (humor).
-During the crisis we are going through, how can our readers buy your products?
Do they have to come and collect them at the farm or do you work with sales outlets?
We are on a tour and our products can be purchased at Ferme et Cie and Locavor.
-To conclude this short interview, I propose a short Chinese portrait to introduce you to our readers.
1-If you were an animal you would be: We would all be cats, we wouldn't lift a finger all day, only getting up to eat, it would be a change for us.
2- If you were a year, you would be: So, what's this all about?????? A year where things were less chaotic
3- If you were a tree, you would be: A huge one that provides plenty of shade to rest under!
4- If you were a song, you would be: For Olivier, 1983 by Jimi Hendrix, and for me, Snow by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
5- If you were a hashtag – or a motto – you would be: Everything comes to those who wait, and help yourself and heaven will help you, and maybe you'll live your life, not your dreams!
6-If you were a man you would be
If you were a woman you would be
We would simply be ourselves!
7- If you were a wish, you would be:
There are too many wishes. !!!!
Thank you both very much.
We wish you the best possible continuation in this complicated context.