GAEC Bannier, located in Maine-et-Loire, faces challenging weather conditions, such as Storm Kirk, which brought 65 mm of rain in two days. Despite these conditions, the soil dried out quickly, a result attributed to the farm’s shift away from plowing and the use of a Weaving seeder. The farmers, Emmanuel and Marie Bannier, use simplified cultivation techniques (TCS) and a seeder that minimally disturbs the soil surface.
The farmers at GAEC Bannier take special care to maintain the health of their soil. They inoculate the soil with bacteria, such as Azotilis, which improve resistance to abiotic stress and fix nitrogen from the air. They also use foliar fertilizers and biostimulants to optimize production.
For the past six years, Emmanuel and Marie Bannier have been relying on Leafy Floury genetics for their corn crop. This variety is characterized by larger and more numerous leaves, as well as larger ears. Leafy Floury hybrids have a lower starch content but provide more fiber, thereby improving rumination and milk production. Planting density is lower, at 78,000 plants per hectare, and the corn is planted following a mixed grain crop.
The Montbéliarde cows at GAEC Bannier produce more than 8,000 liters of milk, with a butterfat content of 43 g/kg and a protein content of 35 g/kg. The farmers’ goal is to promote the longevity of their cows, some of which have exceeded eight lactations. They use a custom mineral supplement, formulated by the Techna group, to tailor the formulation to their forage.
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