Posted at 11:00 a.m.
(Neuville) When we arrived, Médé Langlois insisted on going to put on his emblematic overalls. He only wears it for special occasions: welcoming bands visiting his farm and performing with his punk-trad band Carotté.
Médé, his brother Daniel and his sister Nathalie are part of the 11e generation of Langlois who have been cultivating the same family land since 1667, so that their farm, which magnificently overlooks the river, is among the oldest in Quebec.
“The farm has always been given from father to son,” explains Médé.
In 2015, we interviewed Médé the musician, but we wanted to talk to the farmer. Either way, he has river blue eyes and strong fingers. “The French tell me, but damn, Médé, how do you manage to play the guitar with these sausages? “, he says, laughing.
The famous corn of Neuville
We arrived at the farm as the sun rose after several hours of rain. “Hot, humid weather like this is perfect for corn! “, rejoices Médé.
PHOTO PAUL DIONNE, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Neuville’s Indian wheat is showing up.
It was then mid-July and Mede expected Neuville’s pride to be ready in a dozen days. “It’s going quietly at first. It happens mostly in August and September. »
Since 2017, corn from Neuville has had a reserved designation. The Langlois are among the producers who wanted to have its virtues and unique varieties recognized. “It’s the land! We have sandy soil with a limestone background, which gives the sweet taste,” explains Médé.
How does Mede eat his corn, anyway? “Lots of butter and no salt, and it shouldn’t be overcooked!” »
PHOTO PAUL DIONNE, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The farm overlooks the river.
River view
Médé’s house is next to that of her parents and her brother, who has two children. They are surrounded by farmland which totals about forty acres and which is scattered on either side of Route 138. The one at the foot of the river has a warm microclimate ideal for melons and tomatoes, says the farmer.
“My mother is making honey today. She has about fifty crates to make”, continues Médé, while he takes us to the corn fields to proudly show us the bugs that allow him to reduce the use of insecticides by almost half. Then, he shows us how each huge plant that gives an ear is pollinated from top to bottom with the wind.
“The patriarch, interrupts Mede as his father comes. Come take a picture with me! »
PHOTO PAUL DIONNE, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Médé and his father, Fernand Langlois
Fernand Langlois is 81 years old. Farmers like him never really retire. However, he gets up at 6 a.m. and no longer at 3:30 a.m. like his son.
Nicolas Langlois was 17 when he arrived here by boat in 1667 when Quebec was founded in 1608. He came from Normandy and he married a daughter of the King. He found a good spot.
Fernand Langlois, father of Mede
“Do you know why the lots are skewed? he shows us with his hand. Back then, they were divided according to the 10 a.m. sun. »
How did Fernand Langlois and his sons know it was going to rain? Looking at the river.
PHOTO PAUL DIONNE, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
In addition to the farm counter, there is an economuseum on the cannery.
On route 138
To buy products from the Langlois Farm, you have to go to Neuville. “We sell all our harvests here,” says Médé. We want people to come and see our land. »
On site, there is a counter with fruits and vegetables (carrots, melons, aubergines, skylark), but also a shop with products prepared on site (the seafood sauce is a must) and jars of preserves all sorts.
PHOTO FROM THE LANGLOIS FARM FACEBOOK PAGE
The Langlois family
The Langlois opened an economuseum of the cannery in 2013. Tables inform the public about traditional processing techniques that make it possible to preserve — and stock up! – for winter.
You can also admire family photos. “We have cookbooks that date back hundreds of years,” says Médé. I have never seen my grandmother without an apron. »
1087, route 138, in Neuville