Valérie Neysen never envisioned taking over her family’s farm in Beho, Belgium. Her life was set on a different path, with dreams of leaving Brussels, joining social media campaigns, and pursuing a career in communication. However, the pandemic of Covid-19 altered her trajectory, leading her to return to her roots and embrace a life in agriculture.

From City Life to Farming

At the entrance of the small village of Beho, in the High Ardennes, the Klein Rost farm is a landmark. Its high green silo and “farm campsite” sign are unmistakable, serving as a beacon for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat. This silo, built in 1978, is not just a landmark but a symbol of the farm’s rich history and transformation.

Valérie’s father, Antoine, dedicated his career to cattle breeding. He raised dairy cows and welcomed tourists to the farm’s campsite. However, the repeal of quotas led to a shift towards Salers cattle, and eventually, the farm’s future seemed uncertain. The pandemic provided the catalyst for Valérie and her husband, Frédéric, to return to Beho and revitalize the farm.

“We lived in a small Brussels house, with a small garden. A chance in this period! However, the desire to return to Beho was more and more pressing,” she recalls.

Valérie Neysen

The Surprise Return

Valérie’s decision to return to farming was met with surprise by her family. Her parents, Antoine and Liliane, were taken aback by her newfound interest in agriculture. Valérie, who had been the least involved in the farm’s operations among her siblings, decided to take the reins herself.

She quickly wrote a recovery project and business plan, which was approved by the Walloon Federation of Agriculture. Her vision centered around raising laying hens in mobile chicken coops and selling pasture eggs.

Valérie’s concept of “the egg is in the meadow” was inspired by a famous television program and embodied the idea of chickens raised in freedom. This concept had already interested her before she decided to pursue agriculture.

Adapting the Farm for New Ventures

Valérie enrolled in agricultural courses and completed a farm internship to prepare for her new role. The administrative burden was significant, but she persevered. On January 1, 2023, the official resumption of the family farm was acted, and the first chicken coop arrived six months later.

The farm’s transformation included converting the stable into a sheepfold and the dairy into an egg packaging center. Valérie chose Île-de-France sheep to ensure land fertility and provide farm fertilizers.

Valérie’s decision to diversify the farm’s activities was driven by the need to make the most of the available land and resources. The farm now covers about fifty hectares and includes three mobile chicken coops and around 80 Île-de-France sheep.

From 200 to 1,400 Hens

Valérie started her egg-laying operation with a minimum of hens in late June 2023. The demand for her pasture eggs quickly outstripped supply, leading to the addition of more chicken coops. Within 18 months, she expanded from 200 to 1,400 hens.

The success of the farm’s eggs is attributed to the pasture-raising method, which allows the chickens to roam freely. This method not only improves the quality of the eggs but also aligns with growing consumer preferences for ethically sourced, high-quality products.

Challenges and Solutions

Valérie faced numerous challenges in her first year, including administrative hurdles and the need to adapt to new farming practices. The farm also had to deal with avian flu, which required installing nets around each chicken coop to reduce contact between the hens and wild birds.

Despite these challenges, Valérie’s dedication and adaptability have paid off. The farm’s success has been bolstered by her strategic decisions and innovative approaches to farming.

Marketing and Sales

Valérie markets her eggs through local stores in the region, obtaining them once a week. A distributor at the farm will soon complete the tours to allow everyone to provide when they wish. This approach ensures that consumers have access to fresh, high-quality eggs while minimizing the logistical challenges for Valérie.

Valérie also sells part of the lamb production through the “Lamb of your terroir” sector, created by Antoine Mabille in partnership with other breeders. This partnership allows Valérie to focus on her core activities while benefiting from the expertise of experienced breeders.

Balancing Farming and Communication

Despite her busy schedule, Valérie continues to pursue her passion for communication. She actively feeds her social networks, sharing her experiences and promoting her farm’s products. This dual focus on farming and communication allows her to reach a broader audience and build a strong brand identity.

“It is important, at present, to make known what we do. And I also enjoy exhibiting my job, sharing my experiences…”

Valérie Neysen

Future Prospects

Valérie’s journey from city life to successful farming is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Her story serves as an inspiration for others considering a career shift or returning to their roots. As she continues to grow and diversify her farm, Valérie’s success highlights the potential for sustainable and ethical farming practices in the modern world.