Success stories

Returning to the land in the Gatineau Valley

59, chemin Flannery Low
(Québec) J0X 1X0

One of the fondest memories Christophe Clément has from his youth was the one of his grandfather raising a few cows in the Gatineau Valley. No surprise then when he answered the call of nature once his career in the Canadian Armed Forces was over.

In 2019, he and his wife, Caroline Lejeune, bought a farm in Kazabazua in the Gatineau Valley where they founded the Ferme au gros sabot to raise Highland beef.

“We wanted to have a small-scale operation, said Clément. We began selling our products to our family and friends. Since things were going well, we stepped up our production. With COVID, people were looking for more fresh and local products, so we stepped in to meet this demand.”

This was their first experience both in business and in the breeding sector

Having lived a good part of their lives in Aylmer, the couple turned to the Gatineau Valley to purchase their farm. “I have a lot of affinities with the Gatineau Valley, where I once owned a cottage. I was already familiar with the region and knew several people, which made it easier for us to start up.”

This was their first experience both in business and in the breeding sector. Cattle are brought to a certified slaughterhouse, and cuts are performed in accordance with the breeder’s instructions before marketing at the farm.

“I’ve always liked fresh products and knowing where they come from. That’s the experience we offer our customers when we sell them quality meat,” he explained, adding that his herd ranges from 20 to 30 head, depending on the season.

QUALITY MEAT FROM THE BREEDER TO CUSTOMERS

As soon as I have boxes for sale, they go out the door really fast

The Ferme au gros sabot is also involved in the breeding of Highland cattle for resale to other breeders. Last year, they also bought a sow for breeding and retail sale starting this year.

“We want to diversify. It’s also a matter of profitability, and this creates extra income such as when we sell wood on my land.”

His customers come from the Gatineau Valley, but many are from urban Outaouais “I do make sales on the farm, but 75% now come from my Facebook page. As soon as I have boxes for sale, they go out the door really fast.”

DIVERSIFICATION IS ONE OF THE KEYS OF SUCCESS

The quality of life here is far better

The breeding experience was a positive one for the couple. “The farm was abandoned, the lands were in fallow, and the building and the house were obsolete. Everything was renovated,” said Clément, adding that he also received assistance from the community, particularly the Gatineau Valley RCM.

They have no regrets over leaving Aylmer to settle in the Gatineau Valley. “I spent several years of my life mired in traffic on the Champlain Bridge in Aylmer. The other day, I brought my 7-year-old son to the bus, and three moose were blocking the road. That’s the kind of traffic I encounter these days! The difference between the city and the country is peace of mind. The quality of life here is far better.”