The Société d'aide au développement de la collectivité (SADC) Matawinie is proud to announce the creation of a new business, La ferme du Braconnier. Thanks to the financial support received through the Stratégie jeunesse program, this brand-new business will see the light of day in the Lanaudière region, in Saint-Michel-des-Saints.
Marc-André Lussier has been a full-time paramedic for over 10 years. He and his wife, Anne-Marie Gervais, have been breeding wild boar since last spring on 100 acres of land. They have one breeding male and 11 breeding geese, which have given birth to 24 young boar, fattened for 360 days. They also raise 200 grain-fed chickens for the family each year.
Today, Mr. Lussier and his wife have the opportunity to buy out her former family farm and establish themselves there, with a view to expanding wild boar production with a target of 30 wild boar within 3 years, as well as setting up a game farm with a target animal production of over 100 head. The farm has a total surface area of over 200 acres, including a main residence and several farm buildings. The land also includes 16 arable acres, where garlic will be the main crop, but onions, Jerusalem artichokes and other vegetables adapted to the region's climatic conditions will also be grown. Mr. Lussier and Mrs. Gervais also intend to use the 50-acre property in the near future for guided sport hunting.
Marc-André Lussier doesn't mince his words when it comes to the positive spin-offs this project will have on all fronts. "The challenges ahead are very stimulating and offer us a vision of a family future for our children. Later, if they so wish, they can take over the reins of the business", emphasizing that the marginality of his farm brings with it its share of interest and curiosity. He has also taken the farm management course at the Cégep de Lanaudière in Joliette, to further his knowledge. He can also count on the support of his wife's father, who has a great deal of experience in both market garden production and pig farming.
To begin operations, wild boar meat will be marketed locally. It will be the same for vegetables, and a number of companies have already shown a keen interest in Ferme du Braconnier's products. The company will be managed by Marc-André Lussier, who will be in charge of all farm management. His wife, Anne-Marie Gervais, will help with operations and business management, thanks to her extensive experience in accounting and business management.
SADC Matawinie is proud to have supported Mr. Lussier and Mrs. Gervais in the development of their new business. The coaching and financing offered through the Stratégie jeunesse program enabled them to bring their business project to fruition.