a producer focused on the next generation...and the future

René Bessette doesn’t hide it: he’s always welcomed changes to his practices. For him, advances related to animal welfare and the environment are positive for the health of the planet as well as for the financial health of agricultural businesses.

With a keen eye on the future of his farm, he and his son Guillaume — the fifth generation of the family working in agriculture — began the shift to free housing a few years ago. The producer from Waterville, in the Eastern Townships, is happy with the decision after noticing positive changes in the day-to-day lives of his cows and considerably reducing his efforts at the barn. “We had two objectives, animal welfare and shareholder welfare,” he recalled with a smile. “We wanted to regain our place at the top of the pack in animal welfare as well as anticipate the labour shortage.” 

On this last point, the Bessettes were right. Employees who had been thinking about retirement came to change their minds. “The work became less physical with the arrival of robotics and they decided to continue,” the producer said.

With an area of 259 hectares—50% of which is meadows—Ferme Bessette & Frères has a herd of 140 cows. It is quite natural that the farm has integrated several practices over the years that promote animal welfare and respect for the environment. In the summer of 2022, with a continual curiosity about improving their processes and learning, the dairy producers joined Agropur's Sustainable Farms pilot project.

The switch to free housing necessarily brought stress for the cows. For some, particularly older cows, there was an effect on lactation, but it was quickly corrected. Then, the positive aspects largely took over and the arrival of robotics led to health improvements in the herd. In terms of dairy performance, the Bessettes claim they’ve maintained the same level. The significant benefits arrived in terms of animal health, especially through the reduction of veterinary fees. “It had a very beneficial effect on their immune system. The big difference is the huge decrease in mastitis cases. It's night and day,” he said enthusiastically. “Here, it's the concept of total freedom and the cows are zen. Their attitude changes and just in their eyes, they are more lit.”

In addition to the transition to free housing, the Bessettes are also attentive to environmental advances. In recent years, they observed changes in the frequency and intensity of showers causing leaching of soil and its nutrients. “We must work with nature and not go against it,” says René Bessette.

Among the cultural practices implemented to adapt to the situation, a strip of 80 to 100 feet is now sown around grain and corn. This method not only reduces soil compaction, but also increases biodiversity. Windbreaks were also planted around the houses, as well as a 20-metre riparian strip along the river. Interestingly, the trees were planted by sixth-grade students from the local elementary school as part of a class project.

Over the years, the Bessettes noticed that improved soil health has reduced their need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

“I want to dispel the belief of some producers that adopting environmentally friendly practices lead to additional expenses,” René Bessette said. “In the long run, these investments are very profitable for producers.”