Goat farm on former mining site

At Aux Chevrettes du Terril, goats graze on the slopes of an old mining site in the north of France, while a bar-restaurant has been established at the heart of the goat farm. The project was founded by Julien Graf, a resident of Douai who retrained in goat farming in 2014 despite having no prior agricultural or land-related background.

Search for land and found a wasteland

Julien Graf sought five hectares of land to support his project, initially targeting Haute-Savoie but ultimately deciding to return to his native north. After receiving no responses from 100 notaries, he turned to wastelands and natural areas, eventually finding the Rieulay hill, a property of the Nord department. This former industrial site had been transformed into a space for walking, swimming, and biodiversity.

Extensive goat farming and sustainable practices

Julien Graf now manages about forty goats, a mix of Poitevin and Alpine breeds, grazing on six hectares of land. The system is intentionally extensive, with the herd going out daily and also having access to hay produced on eleven hectares of mowed pastures in a neighboring village. The farm also uses goat grazing to maintain open habitats and control vegetation in this sensitive natural area.

Public access and educational activities

Public access is a central part of the project. Goat hikes, which are paid activities, and educational visits for families, groups, and children are conducted regularly. The farm also hosts farmers' markets and events, taking advantage of the tourist traffic on the hill. A website allows registration for these activities, and the farm’s website is chevrettesduterril.fr.

Bar-restaurant and family collaboration

A bar-restaurant called Les Chevrettes, run by Julien’s brother Olivier, is located in the same building as the goat farm. The menu includes cheese and charcuterie boards, regional products, and goat milk syrup. The restaurant operates on specific days and allows visitors to see the goats during their meal. The two brothers run separate businesses but work closely together, with the restaurant buying the farm’s cheeses and offering catering services.

Selling goats for ethical reasons

The old hills, once rich in coal residues, contain pyrite that can self-ignite, creating heat and sulfur fumes for decades. To manage this, Julien Graf sells young goats as pets, offering them in pairs with detailed information on their care. The sales are made for ethical reasons, ensuring the goats are raised properly and not consumed. The farm sells 60 to 70 animals annually, and Julien provides ongoing support to new owners through his website and messaging.