Farming transition in Hérault

Théo Albaniac and his two partners have been working to improve their sheep farm’s productivity since 2021, guided by an environmental diagnosis. Their efforts focus on combining better farming techniques with environmental performance, aiming for sustainable growth.

Initial challenges and decisions

When Théo received a Cap'2ER diagnosis from the cooperative Natera, he decided to use it to improve his farm. Since 2019, he has managed the farm with his father and uncle, raising 400 white sheep of the Massif Central (BMC) and fattening 2,500 lambs. However, the BMC breed had low prolificacy and high lamb mortality, prompting a decision to replace it with Lacaune sheep for better productivity and lamb health.

Breed change and productivity improvements

The partners gradually replaced the BMC with meat Lacaune sheep from the GID Lacaune scheme. They now raise 200 BMC sheep and 400 pure Lacaune sheep. The Cap'2ER diagnosis confirmed the benefits of this change, showing that the previous high mortality and low prolificacy had increased the environmental footprint per lamb. By improving these factors, they aimed to reduce resource use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental and technical improvements

To increase productivity while reducing their environmental impact, the farmers revised the ewes' feeding, introducing more legumes like alfalfa. This change improved milk production and lamb weight. They also increased lamb monitoring to reduce mortality. The farm has 110 hectares of pastures, supporting biodiversity, though grazing is limited by climate-related water shortages.

Results and ongoing work

The combination of these changes reduced greenhouse gas emissions per lamb by 6%. Lambing rates increased by 6%, mortality dropped by 7%, and feed costs decreased. However, the transition to a full Lacaune flock is still ongoing and will take 2-3 more years. Théo aims to improve prolificacy further by selecting more productive sheep and rams.

Marketing and work challenges

The farm sells lambs through Natera under the Label Rouge Agneau Fermier des Pays d'Oc, which requires specific weaning and marketing timelines. Lambs born in May are sold in September for a premium price. Despite these benefits, the work schedule is demanding, especially in May when both lambing and hay production occur.

Future goals and Cap'2ER tool

The Cap'2ER® tool helps farmers evaluate their environmental performance and improve it through targeted actions. The farm aims to continue using this approach to balance productivity with sustainability. By 2026, the farm plans to have 220 hectares of land, with 400 Lacaune sheep and 200 BMC sheep, focusing on long-term environmental and economic goals.