“We have been patient for three years”, says Elise Carton. With her husband and the departmental council of Mayenne, they have just launched the construction of a future cattle pipeline on the D35. This road, which connects the city of Mayenne to Le Mans, is therefore inaccessible for several days, from March 7 until April 30, 2022, the time of the operations. A project that will allow the farming couple’s animals to pass from one side to the other without taking any risks on the long straight.
It was very dangerous
This couple of organic farmers uses the same technique as the former owners of the farm to pass the animals from one side of the departmental road to the other. “We were each level with the farm and we lifted the barrier with yellow vests on us and flags to let the animals pass”, explains Pierre-Yves in front of the wide road.
Once I got scared, the dog got knocked down
“We had to wait until there were no more cars, but it was always the same thing. Once the beasts started, it’s always there that a car arrives. And we always wonder if it will s ‘stop or not’specifies Elise Carton before adding, “I once got scared, the dog got knocked down and the person didn’t stop. I really wondered if they would have stopped for a child.” This procedure requires real organization for the couple. “You always need two or even three people to organize the transfer. It’s doable, but it’s still dangerous and the Department was not really in favor of us using this technique.”
– Nina Valletta
So for three years, the couple has been asking for the construction of the underground passage to allow the animals to pass. And the situation was becoming urgent. “We have 17 hectares on the other side of the road and 25 behind the building and we will certainly recover land on the other side. That’s why the bovine was essential”, recognizes Pierre-Yves Carton. A project that the couple did not want to finance alone, for economic reasons, but also for security. “We didn’t want to own the building. In the event of an accident or otherwise, we didn’t want to be responsible”recognizes the mother of five children.
An economic but also ecological reason
A construction that will allow make life easier for these farmers. “From now on, the cows will be able to graze day and night. I can be alone to drive the animals and bring them back. And on top of that, we won’t have to pick up grass for the cattle.“, says Elise before adding, “and if we don’t pick up, you have to buy a self-loading machine, it’s at least 65,000 euros, a machine that you have to drive, so you need time, fuel. Then it corresponds to our philosophy, I prefer to have cows so that they can graze rather than lighting a tractor so that they can eat. It’s better for their health, and a time saver for us.”
For this project, the couple each pays nearly 65,000 euros, it’s a little more for the county council.
– Nina Valletta