Big french heifers grazing in Brittany

A typical grazing operation in Brittany still has the cost of a barn to house the cows through the winter.

Normandy-Holstien cross cow in Brittany, this native French breed of cows has been used in many crossbred systems but wasn't popular with any of the farmers I visited.

French farmers planning their next blockade of Paris streets. No not really, discussing the results from this latest pasture cut.

Montbeliards grazing

I've had a great few days visiting both grazing and indoor Montbeliarde farms. The range of milk price paid to farmers in this area is huge with the farms which sell milk to specialist cheese producers having to meet greater restrictions but also getting paid more.

Monty herd producing organic milk for the production of Gruyere cheese.

The sound of a herd of cows grazing with bells on is something special.

Monty heifer

Besancon Show

The show scene isn't a place you will usually find me looking at cows but this Montbeliarde feature show was a great opportunity to look at the different genetics within the breed.

The facilities and presentation of the show was amazing, the crowd really got into the judging, very passionate!!

Proud winners of the overall champion cow.

Typical first calf show heifer.