Bakhodir Mirzaev from Uzbekistan did his internship on a sheep farm where they keep 1800 merinos on 3600 ha, primarily for wool production. Below part of his report and some pictures.
You can find more information about the farm on their website: http://macomerinos.free.fr
ANALYSIS OF FRENCH FARMING SYSTEM:
Case study in sheep farming in Jabron Valley, Alpes de Haute Provence Region
MaCo Merinos
After these three weeks I realized; what is family farming? what are its advantages? because it is different than other farming systems. First of all, working time schedule is very productive, economical, and perspective in a way how budget is managed. Another advantage is that other neighbor sheep family farmers can help each other with exchanging mechanisms or participate in different agricultural activities. Decision-making process is between husband and wife; sometimes they discuss issues within with a close family farm. Very interesting point that I found is that young family farms tenancies from retired farms. This gives good advantages for good communication within community and good cultivation in the around Valley. Another good advantage of a family farm is expansion of economy and correspondence with wool factory to sell high quality wool in a reasonable price. As they are breeding new MaCo Merinos (figure) it means farm will have good quality wool and meat to sell and expand experience in around farmers and other European countries.
