“This year, on the equine, two breeds are represented: a Percheron (Baptiste Charpin farm) and a Comtois (Frédéric Taillon livestock farm). We have 58 cattle, mostly Charolais and a herd of Limousin cattle, and 82 sheep who are competing,” explains Frédéric Taillon, vice-president of the fair committee.
Among the judges, 13 young people from the MFR of Saligny-sur-Roudon were pointing out the animals. “It's a great experience for these young people. It inspires vocations because animal pointer is a profession in its own right,” says Sophie Cassado, technical instructor.
Bargain prices and dwindling forage stocks
While the festival is here, the economic situation, for its part, is weighing heavily. Anthony Navetat, who runs a GAEC with his father, explains: “It’s nice to see animals again. Morale is still good, because people are happy to come back and enjoy a good fair. But prices fell last week, which has knocked morale a little again.” Enzo Lafaix, an agricultural worker, says much the same. Suffolk and Charolais farmer : “With the shortage of grass and hay, more care is needed and it is harder to sell.”
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Stéphane Charrondière, Charolais cattle breeder in a GAEC with his brother, brings breeding animals to Dompierre-sur-Besbre every year. “With this drought, the stocks are dwindling, we've been drawing on them since July. Usually, only one area is dry and we can get fodder from elsewhere, but this year, it's all of France. Coming to the fair feels good; it's nice to get together with farmers and allows people to make contacts.”
Frédéric Taillon confirms: “Regarding the drought, the livestock farmers made the effort to bring animals. They got together a little to talk, to take a break from farm life during these very difficult times. It feels good to get together. It’s a convivial moment.”
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